Serious infections can have life-changing consequences, including disability or even death, if not diagnosed or treated quickly and correctly. While many infections are minor, delays or failures in medical care can cause long-term harm. If you or a loved one has suffered because an infection was missed or mishandled, our expert medical negligence solicitors are here to help. We’ll work with you to understand what went wrong and support you in seeking the compensation you deserve.

We know that making a claim can feel daunting. That’s why we're committed to guiding you through every step, using clear, jargon-free language, and ensuring you know what to expect from start to finish.

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What Is an Infection Claim?

Infection claims typically fall into one or both of the following categories:

• Failure to diagnose
  This happens when healthcare professionals miss the signs of infection entirely or mistake it for a less serious condition. Early symptoms may be subtle, but a failure to recognise them can lead to severe complications.
• Failure to treat
  Even when an infection is correctly diagnosed, delays in treatment are surprisingly common. When left untreated, even for a short time, infections can spread rapidly and become much more dangerous, worsening the outcome.

While not every infection is preventable, a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are often key to avoiding serious harm.

What infections can lead to medical negligence claims?

Certain infections are more commonly involved in negligence claims, particularly those that progress rapidly if left untreated.

Meningitis

• Meningitis can be viral or bacterial, with bacterial meningitis being the more severe form.
• It may develop from another infection if not treated promptly.
• Delays in diagnosis or treatment can lead to catastrophic consequences, including brain damage, hearing loss, blindness, or even death.
• Because meningitis symptoms often mimic less serious illnesses, it’s vital that red flag signs are recognised and acted on.
• You may have a claim if healthcare professionals failed to diagnose or treat the condition in time.

We are specialists in Meningitis-related medical negligence claims and on the recommended legal panel for meningitis research foundation and can advise you in detail on this area.

Group B Streptococcus (also known as Group B Strep or GBS)

• GBS is carried by up to one-third of women and is usually harmless to adults. However, it can pose a serious risk to babies if transmitted during childbirth or the first few weeks of life.
• Failure to detect or respond to GBS risks can result in severe neonatal complications.

We are specialists in GBS-related medical negligence claims and can advise you in detail on this area. Learn more about GBS claims here.

Necrotising Fasciitis

• Often referred to as the ‘flesh-eating disease’ necrotising fasciitis is a rare but extremely aggressive bacterial infection that rapidly destroys soft tissue beneath the skin.
• The infection typically enters the body through a break in the skin, such as a cut, surgical wound, or burn.
• People with weakened immune systems, for example, due to recent illness or medical treatment, are at higher risk.
• Because of how quickly it spreads, immediate diagnosis and urgent medical intervention are essential. Delays can lead to devastating outcomes, including tissue loss, amputation, or death.

While it is difficult to prove negligence in how the infection was acquired, most medical negligence claims for necrotising fasciitis relate to failures in timely diagnosis or treatment. If there was a delay that worsened the outcome, you may be entitled to compensation.

Sepsis / Septicaemia

• Sepsis (also known as septicaemia or blood poisoning) occurs when your body overreacts to an infection, causing widespread inflammation and organ damage.
• While not an infection itself, it can develop from many common infections and becomes life-threatening very quickly if not treated urgently.

While early treatment with antibiotics and fluids is often effective, delays can lead to permanent injury or fatal outcomes.

What are the consequences of infections?

While many infections can be treated successfully, others can lead to serious and life-altering outcomes, especially if there are delays in diagnosis or treatment. Some of the potential consequences include:

• Development of sepsis
• Long-term injuries or disability, such as limb loss, chronic pain or lasting health complications
• Psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress

In the most severe cases, infections can tragically result in death.

Coming to terms with these outcomes is incredibly difficult, and even more so if they were caused by avoidable medical negligence. If you or a loved one is living with the consequences of a mismanaged infection, you may be entitled to compensation.

A successful claim can provide much-needed financial support for your future care or your family’s needs. It can also offer an opportunity to get some answers, acknowledge what went wrong and help prevent similar harm to others.

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How can we help?

If you believe poor medical care allowed an infection to go undiagnosed or untreated, whether in a hospital, GP setting, or during childbirth, we’re here to listen and advise.

Our friendly and approachable team will:

• Offer a free initial assessment

During your free consultation we’ll listen carefully, explain what to expect, and discuss funding options, including many cases proceeding on a no-win, no-fee basis.

• Guide you every step of the way

We provide clear, honest advice and handle your claim with sensitivity, keeping you fully informed throughout your case, with regular updates.

• Put your priorities first

Whether you want answers, to ensure that lessons are learned or to or secure financial peace of mind for your family, we focus on what matters most for you.

Why choose Tozers?

When you’re making a claim, you need a trusted, expert team on your side.

Our medical negligence solicitors are accredited members of the Law Society’s Clinical Negligence Panel and recognised as experts in their field.

We’re ranked Band 1 by leading legal directory, Chambers & Partners, praised for handling complex clinical negligence claims, and hold a Tier 1 ranking in the Legal 500 which highlights our team leader, Endurance Arthur, as a 'leading individual'.

Most importantly to us, our expertise is reflected in the positive feedback we receive from our clients. “The medical negligence team at Tozers are excellent. They are friendly and approachable and communicate well.”

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you believe your or family member’s infection diagnosis was missed or delayed, we’re here to help. Contact our specialist solicitors for a free initial chat about your situation and find out how you can get started. Use our online enquiry form or call us at 01392 207 020 today.