Family secures six-figure settlement after delayed diagnosis of kidney infection led to sepsis and stroke
Julia* experienced a major stroke and life-changing disabilities following delays in recognising and treating an obstructed urinary tract and infected kidney. She sadly passed away in 2022, so we fought on behalf of her family to pursue answers and compensation for the inadequate care she received.
*Real name not used
What happened to Julia?
In April 2021, Julia attended The Royal London Hospital with severe abdominal and flank pain, a fever and urinary symptoms. Imaging and clinical findings raised concerns about an obstructed urinary tract and serious infection. However, despite her deteriorating condition, there were delays in obtaining senior urology input and carrying out intervention to relieve the obstruction.
As her condition worsened, Julia developed severe sepsis, requiring intensive care treatment. A stent was eventually inserted to drain the obstructed kidney, but by that stage she had suffered significant complications.
She subsequently experienced a major stroke, which left her with profound physical, cognitive and communication impairments, including paralysis down her right side which left her completely dependent on others for her daily care.
Following these events, Julia required round-the-clock care provided by her family, and she sadly passed away in 2022.
How did Irwin Mitchell help?
Following Julia’s death, her family contacted Irwin Mitchell hoping to obtain answers about the care she received and the consequences of the delays in treatment.
The case was handled by Daniella Gregory, who pursued a medical negligence claim on behalf of Julia's estate and dependants, alleging that earlier senior urological review and urgent surgical intervention would have prevented the progression of sepsis and substantially improved her outcome. The claim further alleged that earlier treatment would have avoided the devastating stroke and the significant disabilities that followed.
We instructed independent medical experts, including a urologist and an intensivist, who provided supportive evidence that delays in diagnosing and treating the obstruction contributed to Julia developing sepsis and suffering a stroke.
What was the outcome of the case?
We issued court proceedings, but before serving the Defence, we reached a six-figure financial settlement with the Defendant Trust.
Nothing will bring Julia back, but the settlement recognised the care provided by her family, as well as her funeral expenses and her dependants' financial security.
Expert comment
“This case highlights the devastating consequences that can arise when a serious infection is not treated promptly.
“The delays in addressing her obstructed kidney allowed her condition to deteriorate, ultimately resulting in severe sepsis, a major stroke and life-changing injuries. Her family showed tremendous dedication throughout and were determined to secure answers about the care she received.”
– Daniella Gregory
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