Sepsis and medical negligence
Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the incidence appears to be increasing. It is considered to be a complication of infection that can lead to multiple organ failure and death if it is not diagnosed and treated quickly.
Sepsis misdiagnosis and a delay to treat by medical staff can lead to a claim for medical negligence. People who recover from sepsis can be left with long-term health problems, including post-sepsis syndrome. It can result in life-changing injuries, including amputation.
If you or a loved one received a delayed diagnosis, substandard treatment or misdiagnosis of sepsis then you may have a claim for compensation. At Paul du Plessis Attorneys, our medical negligence team can help with your case.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is the consequence of widespread inflammation in the body. Both instances of severe sepsis and septic shock are medical emergencies. Inflammation and blood clotting during sepsis causes reduced blood flow to limbs and vital organs, and can lead to organ failure and even death.
Bacterial infections are the most common cause of sepsis. Sepsis can also be caused by fungal, parasitic, or viral infections. The source of the infection can be any of a number of places throughout the body.
Statistics around the world
Sepsis occurs all over the world and South Africa. Over 1.5 million people in the United States are diagnosed with sepsis yearly, and approximately 30% of patients do not survive.
According to the UK Sepsis Trust, 44,000 people die in the UK every year because of sepsis, which equates to one death every 12 minutes. It is considered the biggest direct cause of death in UK pregnancies.
The spectrum of sepsis in South Africa is different to that seen in the developed world. Intra-abdominal sepsis is the most common and is overwhelmingly caused by acute appendicitis. Diabetic foot infection has also been found to be a major cause of septic shock and as much as 8.1% of neonatal deaths are sepsis related.
Is sepsis treatable?
Controlling and stopping infections remains the best prevention against developing sepsis. Proper monitoring of vital signs and regular assessments will give medical staff an opportunity to identify complications when they occur. The type of infection and underlying conditions can play a role in how effective treatment will be.
The medical team will first try to identify the source and the type of infection, obtain blood and urine tests and X-rays or CT scans, and give the patient antibiotics to treat the infection. (Note: Antibiotics are ineffective against infections caused by viruses.)
IV (intravenous or in the vein) fluids can be administered to prevent blood pressure from dropping too low. In some cases, the patient may need vasopressor medications (which tighten blood vessels) to reach an adequate blood pressure. And finally, if organ failures occur, the patient will receive the appropriate supportive care (for example, dialysis for kidney failure, mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure, etc.).
Treatment may not be effective in all cases. The most important concern in sepsis is quick diagnosis and prompt treatment. Early recognition and treatment can reduce sepsis mortality by as much as 50%.
Examples of sepsis claims and settlements:
- Settlement for a young woman who had an above the knee amputation after sepsis was misdiagnosed.
- A claim for loss of income and medical expenses after a man’s perforated bowel was misdiagnosed and he developed sepsis, resulting in invasive surgery, rehabilitation and physical disability.
- A father left to raise his two daughters when his wife developed sepsis and died soon after giving birth.
Starting a medical negligence claim
A successful sepsis medical negligence claim can secure compensation you can use to pay for rehabilitation and care needs. If one of your relatives has died because of misdiagnosed or mistreated sepsis their dependants may also be able to bring a claim for compensation.
To support your claim our team would be required to gather any relevant evidence. This can include medical and financial records and documents, along with witness statements. This is to verify any treatment you received, assess whether the appropriate actions were taken and the impact it had on your physical, emotional wellbeing and financial situation.
If you think you might have a sepsis negligence claim, start by getting in touch with our team for a free consultation. One of our expert attorneys will listen to your case, assess whether you have a claim and advise you on the best next steps to take. Feel free to contact us at Paul du Plessis Attorneys at 012 809 1588 or send an email to paul@pauldup.co.za
Written by Dané du Plooy
Sources:
The spectrum and outcome of surgical sepsis in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (2017) Green et al
Sepsis- follow the guidelines South African Critical Care Journal