The importance of contracting sepsis has taken a new twist when the Health Secretary in the Times on 11 March 2017 has advised that anyone who has contracted the infection should be treated within the hour. The guidelines take on board the little know dangers of the infection that can lead to death.
However failing to spot the signs of the infection can lead to fatal accident claims against the NHS for medical negligence or against others who may be liable for instance sepsis contracted during the course of your work – fatal accident at work claims or a recent blog we discussed where a dog owner caused or allowed his dog to bite a carer who contracted sepsis and subsequently died.
Sepsis Patients to be Treated Within the Hour
The Health Secretary has now advised that sepsis patients must be treated within the hour.
What is Sepis?
Sepsis occurs when the body’s immune system goes into over-drive as it tries to fight the infection that damages tissue and interferes with the blood flow. Patients can die if the infection is not treated early. We have seen in recent blogs by the fatal accident solicitors that in some cases the bereaved family may have a legal right to claim compensation for fatal accident claims should there be a fault on behalf of the employer and/or person who caused the infection.
Further, if the sepsis is not treated quickly by the NHS doctors or at all, a clinical negligence claim may also be made.
What are the Signs of Sepsis?
According to Health Line the following are the signs of sepsis infection:
- patches of discolored skin.
- decreased urination.
- changes in mental ability.
- low platelet (blood clotting cells) count.
- problems breathing.
- abnormal heart functions.
- chills due to fall in body temperature.
- unconsciousness.
A recent study has estimated that there are 260,000 people in the UK would develop the condition annually.
Affected By This Story?
If you wish to seek advice or legal support please contact the fatal accident solicitors as soon as possible. There is a limited period of time to make a claim and whilst it is a difficult time there is a lot we can do to help bereaved families to help get to the truth of what happened and seek some form of justice to what has tragically happened.
