Approximately 16,000 people are diagnosed with Sepsis in Ireland annually.  Fortunately, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, most people affected by Sepsis make an excellent recovery. However, Sepsis is a medical emergency, which, if left untreated can result in organ damage, amputation, septic shock and in tragic cases, death. Almost 3000 people lose their lives to Sepsis in Ireland, on average, each year and the condition accounts for almost 60% of hospital deaths in this country.

Organisations such as the Irish Sepsis Foundation do amazing work in raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of Sepsis, both within healthcare settings and within the wider community, saving lives and ensuring better outcomes for patients who develop Sepsis. However, as solicitors with expertise in the area of medical negligence, we continue to advise patients and families affected by delay in diagnosis and improper treatment of Sepsis. The consequences for these patients, and for their families, are catastrophic.

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis is the body’s improper response to infection- the body’s infection fighting process turns on itself resulting in damage to tissue and organs causing organs to function poorly. Anybody can develop sepsis but some people are particularly vulnerable; young children, the elderly and those with an already compromised immune system.

What are the signs of Sepsis?

• Slurred speech or confusion
• Extreme shivering or muscle pain
• Passing no urine in a day
• Severe breathlessness
• It feels like you’re going to die
• Skin that is pale, mottled, or discoloured

If you experience any symptom of concern, it is important that you immediately attend with your doctor for further investigation.

What is Medical Negligence?

Medical negligence occurs when a medical practitioner fails to meet the standard of care expected in their profession, resulting in injury to the patient.

Common Failures in Sepsis Diagnosis and Treatment

When it comes to diagnosis and treatment of sepsis, the following errors are some of the more common grounds for a negligence claim:

• Inadequate infection control
• Failure to recognise the signs and symptoms of Sepsis
• Delay in administration of antibiotics
• Errors in administration of antibiotics

Impact of Delayed Diagnosis

A delay in diagnosis and treatment of Sepsis can have catastrophic consequences. These may include:

• Organ damage
• Amputation
• Septic shock
• In tragic cases, death

What can I claim for?

Under Irish law, patients who have suffered due to medical negligence in the context of  may be entitled to compensation for:

• Compensation for pain and suffering (general damages)
• Special damages – Reimbursement of reasonably incurred out of pocket expenses- to include care costs, loss of earnings, medical expenses, prostheses costs

In very tragic cases, where a patient has died due to a delay in diagnosis, or improper treatment of Sepsis, their loved ones may have grounds to initiate a fatal injuries claim.

How long do I have to take a claim?

Time is critical in medical negligence cases. The general rule is that claims must be initiated within two years from the date of knowledge of the injury. This doesn’t necessarily mean the date the negligence occurred, but rather when the patient became aware – or ought to have become aware – that an injury resulted from substandard care.

Some of Our Recent Relevant Cases involving Sepsis and Medical Negligence 

https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2025/06/26/limerick-hospital-apologises-in-high-court-for-babys-death-at-16-weeks-old/#:~:text=Limerick%20hospital%20apologises%20in%20High,weeks%20old%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Irish%20Times

https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/university-maternity-hospital-limerick-apologises-to-mother-of-baby-who-died-1777718.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawNDQr5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETBpRWpsMm5TV3FOdGpJSTNGAR6gbeawDUngziRf413Ho9AVQclVhXwxVErxdC5Ln2u_mkLH60dFGoaPd8t15g_aem_nbDfdErUxiqALmAPePTUCQ

How We Can Help?

Brigid O’Donnell, Solicitor, a native of Cashel, with offices in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary and Cork City, has extensive experience representing clients in complex medical negligence claims, including those involving medical negligence arising in the context of Sepsis diagnosis and treatment.  She has access to leading medical experts to investigate whether patients have suffered injury due to failures of care. She has experience negotiating fair and appropriate compensation, often through mediation, for affected patients and for their families. She also has experience in conducting and winning trials to secure compensation for clients and for their families.

She understands how stressful these cases can be, and she works hard to provide support, discretion, and clarity every step of the way.