Sepsis and meningitis claims solicitor

Claim compensation for meningitis and sepsis negligence

Meningitis, an infection of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord, and sepsis, an acute and extreme immune system response to an infection, can have devastating consequences, particularly if not identified and treated correctly. If you contracted meningitis or sepsis and suffered serious complications that could have been prevented, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

As experts in the most complex medical negligence claims, we can help you find the answers you want, the compensation you deserve and the treatment, rehabilitation and care you need to rebuild your life.

Call 0800 316 8892 or get in touch online for a free assessment of your claim with a solicitor experienced in sepsis and meningitis claims.

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Specialists in meningitis and sepsis negligence claims

Meningitis negligence and sepsis misdiagnosis claims can be challenging to prove, so it’s essential your solicitor has the level of legal expertise and medical knowledge needed to tackle the issue.

Our first-hand experience and understanding of sepsis and meningitis negligence is borne out by our track record of winning significant compensation for their most serious outcomes, including limb loss, hearing loss, brain damage and death.

We work closely with leading medical experts and specialists in microbiology to thoroughly investigate and establish:

The type of bacterial infection you contracted
The cause and/or onset of the infection
Whether it could have been diagnosed sooner or treated differently
How the appropriate course of action would have led to a better outcome for you
Your immediate and longer-term care, treatment, support and rehabilitation needs and any changes to your living arrangements or mobility
The value of compensation needed to fund your care and compensate you for your pain, suffering and lost earnings

Senior legal expertise in your corner

Your claim will be looked after by an experienced medical negligence solicitor and overseen by a partner who is also one of our most senior lawyers.

We act as expert solicitors for Brain Tumour Support and Headway (the brain injury association) and sit on the medical negligence panels of Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA), The Law Society and The Encephalitis Society.

We’re also proud to support the great work done by Meningitis Research Foundation.

Case example

The medical negligence team acted for the family of Isabel Gentry following her death from meningitis in May 2016: University Hospital Bristol NHS Trust found responsible of ‘Neglect’ following teenage death from meningitis.

Start your sepsis negligence or meningitis claim

We understand that starting a medical negligence claim can feel daunting, which is why we make it our priority to get to know you, so we can support you through the process in the way you need.

Your solicitor will be happy to visit you at home or in hospital, or you’re welcome to come to one of our offices across the country in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton.

Call 0800 316 8892 or get in touch online to arrange a free consultation with a medical negligence solicitor who can advise you on your claim and explain your funding options including a no-win, no-fee arrangement.

Your meningitis claims questions answered

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is a bacterial or viral infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.

Bacterial meningitis usually requires urgent treatment in hospital with antibiotics. It’s estimated that 1 in every 10 cases of bacterial meningitis can be fatal.

The most common bacteria to cause meningitis are:

Meningococcus
Pneumococcus or streptococcus pneumoniae
TB
Group B Streptococcal and E coli
Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)

Viral Meningitis tends to resolve on its own within 7–10 days, although some people can be left with serious and debilitating side effects.

When can you bring a meningitis claim?

If bacterial meningitis is not treated in a timely manner and it crosses into the central nervous system, cardiovascular system or the blood, the consequences can be serious or life changing. For example:

Sepsis or septic shock
Brain injury
Loss of hearing and vision
Epilepsy
Amputation (as the blood supply to limbs and essential organs is compromised)
Problems with memory and concentration
Balance and co-ordination problems
Death

If the delay was caused by a GP failing to identify the symptoms of meningitis or refer the patient appropriately, or a clinician in hospital failing to diagnose and treat meningitis, you could be entitled to claim compensation.

For example, you attend A & E multiple times over a few days with fever and signs of more serious illness in a year-old child. The late meningitis diagnosis then results in long term brain injury to the child.

Your sepsis claims questions answered

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. Early symptoms include extremes of temperature, fast breathing, rapid heartbeat and rapid deterioration.

In the UK there are over 150,000 cases of sepsis a year with 44,000 fatalities, which is greater than deaths from breast, bowel and prostate cancer combined. Survivors can experience limb loss, chronic fatigue or muscle and joint pain.

Sepsis can affect anyone, but certain groups are at higher risk including the very young, the elderly, diabetics, cancer patients and those who are immunosuppressed.

When can you claim for sepsis negligence?

Sepsis should be treated with the same degree of urgency as a stroke or heart attack. The sooner you’re diagnosed and treatment starts, the greater your chance of a favourable outcome and recovery.

If you have experienced a delay in diagnosing or treating sepsis by a GP, emergency doctor or clinician, you could be entitled to claim compensation.

For example, A & E clinicians fail to recognise the signs of meningococcal infection and the late administration of antibiotics allows the disease to become established. The sepsis then leads to damage and injury to the limbs, resulting in amputation.

How is sepsis diagnosed?

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recently issued up to date guidance for doctors and nurses regarding diagnosis and treatment of sepsis.

Doctors considering a diagnosis look for the ‘Sepsis six’:

Mental state – alteration in mental state
Blood pressure – decrease of systolic blood pressure
Breathing – respiratory rate of more than 25 breaths per minute
Circulation and hydration – increased heart rate > 130 bpm and difficulty passing urine
Temperature – tympanic temperature less than 36
Skin – mottled or ashen, cyanosis of skin, lips or tongue, non-blanching rash of skin

Treatment and management of sepsis

Deliver high flow oxygen
Take blood cultures
Administer empiric intravenous antibiotics
Measure serum lactate and send for a full blood count
Start IV fluid resuscitation
Accurate urine output measurement

Recommendations

‘A highly experienced and professional team who strike the perfect balance of professionalism with personal care and understanding.’

Legal 500

They are very confident, experienced and pragmatic, and it translates throughout the team.

Chambers 2025

Book a free meningitis or sepsis claim consultation

If you or a loved one has suffered serious complications due to delays in diagnosing or treating meningitis or sepsis, call 0800 316 8892 or contact us online to discuss your claim with a specialist solicitor. This consultation is free and there’s no pressure to take things further.

Your key contacts

Marguarita Tyne

Head of Personal Injury & Medical Negligence

Bristol

Marguarita Tyne is a claimant clinical negligence solicitor who investigates and brings claims on behalf of patients who have been injured during the course of their medical treatment, acting mainly (but not exclusively) for brain injury claimants in high value and often complex litigation.

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Kerry Fifield

Partner and Clinical Negligence Team Manager