£10k Compensation Following a Death due to Sepsis

Lanyon Bowdler settled a claim for Mr A arising out of the death of his father, Mr B at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in November 2021.

Emma Hart was instructed to bring an action for damages in respect of Mr B’s death as a result of sepsis following four failed attempts at urinary catheterisation.

In summary, Mr B suffered an out of hospital cardiac arrest and was conveyed to St Thomas Hospital for treatment. Whilst in hospital, Mr B suffered pneumonia and a stroke. Once he had recovered, he was transferred to University College Hospital for ongoing rehabilitation.

On transfer, Mr B was noted to be stable and he had a urinary catheter in place. Four days after admission, a possible infection related to his catheter was suspected and the decision was made to change his catheter. Four attempts were made to insert a new catheter, with each attempt causing pain and bleeding to Mr B. The catheter was therefore abandoned and the plan was for a Urologist to review Mr B the next morning.

However, Mr B’s condition deteriorated and his urine was reported to be heavily blood stained. He was diagnosed with sepsis and two further unsuccessful attempts were made to place a urethral catheter.

Mr B continued to deteriorate throughout the day and resuscitation attempts were made. Mr B was stabilised and conveyed to theatre to allow for a blood transfusion. Further investigations found that the unsuccessful catheterisation attempts had caused urethral rupture. Mr B’s condition continued to deteriorate further.

Mr B’s family made the difficult decision to withdraw life support. His cause of death was noted to be:

1a. Multiple organ failure
1b. Urinary sepsis
1c. Urinary tract infection associated with urethral catheterisation
2. Recent acute myocardial infarction

Mr B’s case was put before HM Coroner and the Defendant also carried out a Serious Incident Investigation which made damning findings in relation to the standard of care provided.

Lanyon Bowdler were able to secure full admissions within six months of instruction and obtained compensation of £10,000 for Mr A.