Clinical Negligence – Septicaemia Claims

Septicaemia claims often arise because although a doctor suspects meningitis or septicaemia the child is not referred to hospital immediately for confirmatory tests and treatment. Progression of the disease can be particularly rapid so early treatment of suspected cases is essential. For example it is recommended that the referring doctor administers intravenous injections of benzyl penicillin to a child who is obviously ill and might have meningococcal septicaemia and/or meningitis. This action may be life savings and should not affect the ability to make an exact bacteriological diagnosis.

Any child with a septicaemia claim arising out of failure to diagnose in a timely fashion, is likely to be eligible for legal aid regardless of their parents’ financial circumstances. However, the government proposes to remove legal aid funding for clinical negligence claims so a claim should be made as soon as possible.

Law Society Clinical Negligence Panel member, David Dickie, has dealt with many such claims over the last 20 years.

Ring David on freephone 08000 116666 or send an e-mail to him at d.dickie@timms-law.com