Sepsis is causing increasing concerns, reportedly causing more deaths than cancer across the world - and not enough people know about it.
Sepsis is a serious medical emergency that can quickly become fatal if untreated. It can also develop with little warning. Sometimes it can be misdiagnosed or left untreated as a result of medical negligence, resulting in significant and long-lasting physical harm.
Every year, there are more than 245,000 sepsis cases across the UK with around 48,000 deaths attributed to sepsis (UK Sepsis Trust). One of the most high profile cases of sepsis is former MP Craig Mackinlay, who had all four limbs amputated after developing sepsis and going into septic shock.
Research published in July 2025 has revealed that by 2023 there was an alarming 7.5-fold increase in sepsis-related hospital admissions in England since 1998.
The clinical negligence team at mfg Solicitors are specialists in sepsis negligence claims. We are committed to observing World Sepsis Day, raising crucial awareness of a condition that can kill.
What is Sepsis?
Sepsis happens when the body’s immune system overreacts to an infection causing internal damage. It is not known why sepsis develops, but it is more common in the vulnerable, such as infants and the elderly, and those with underlying conditions such as diabetes or weakened immune systems.
Though most people with sepsis have a good recovery with prompt treatment and intensive care, needless delays can seriously reduce the patient’s chances of recovery. Read more about the sepsis crisis here.
Sepsis caused by negligence
UK Sepsis Trust says 25% of sepsis deaths are preventable with prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. While doctors and other health professionals are trained to watch for signs of sepsis and to test promptly, it is being missed in far too many cases.
Unfortunately, medical negligence can have a catastrophic impact for the patient. There may, for example, be a delayed diagnosis by GPs or in hospital; delayed treatment; inadequate or incorrect treatment; and errors in sepsis testing.
Sepsis compensation claims are usually made to NHS Resolution. According to its latest annual report, there were 140 claims across England in the three financial years to 2024 where the main injury was sepsis. The total compensation figure was £12,244,273 (an average of £87,465 per claimant – reflecting just how serious the impact of sepsis can be).
In April 2023, for example, a 4-year-old boy died after doctors repeatedly failed to diagnose him with sepsis. Daniel Klosi was sent home from The Royal Free Hospital in Camden twice and his parents were told to give him painkillers. In January this year Daniel’s parents won an undisclosed amount from the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.
While most people survive sepsis, they can suffer ongoing health issues, such as a weakened immune system, organ damage, post-sepsis syndrome and lost limbs.
Our specialist sepsis claim team will ensure your compensation claim reflects the nature and seriousness of the harm you have suffered and the rehabilitation you will need in future.
How we can help
If you are considering making a sepsis compensation claim for you or a loved one, contact David Lydon on 0121 2367388, email david.lydon@mfgsolicitors.com or complete our online contact form here and we will respond as soon as possible.
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