

Medical Negligence Lawyers Join Family In Issuing Sepsis Warning Following Four-Year-Old’s Death
A couple, whose four-year-old son died of sepsis after they were sent home from a London hospital and told to give him Calpol, have received a settlement – and an official personal apology from health bosses.
Daniel Klosi was sent home from the Royal Free Hospital in north London three times in the week before he died.
During his third visit, hospital staff did not read Daniel’s medical records or obtain a full history from his parents, Lindita Alushi and Kastriot Klosi. Medics did not order blood tests or administer life-saving intravenous antibiotics, an inquest heard.
Daniel Klosi's family ask medical negligence lawyers to investigate
Following Daniel’s death, his family, of Kentish Town, Camden, instructed specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his care and secure answers.
During an inquest in August 2024, a coroner said Daniel, who had autism, attended hospital with “atypical” features of sepsis. However, there was “profound” lack of recognition of the ways in which a septic neurodivergent child can present at hospital.
Coroner Mary Hassell said medics believed Daniel was alert when he was agitated. She added medical staff needed to “pay even more attention than usual” to parents and their concerns regarding their child’s health. While Daniel had shown some signs of sepsis in children – such as a high temperature and vomiting – he did not appear to be lethargic.
Following the hearing the coroner issued a prevention of future deaths order calling on the Royal Free Hospital, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health as well as the Royal College of Emergency Medicine to set out what action they would take to improve care.
Lawyers secure settlement and apology for parents following Camden boy' sepsis death
After Irwin Mitchell brought a separate civil case on the family’s behalf, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, offered to pay the family an undisclosed out of court settlement, which has been accepted. The Trust made no formal admissions.
Approaching two years on from Daniel’s death the Health Trust has officially apologised directly to Daniel’s parents for their son’s death.
In a letter to Lindita, sent via her legal team at Irwin Mitchell, Peter Landstrom, group chief executive of Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust said he was “very sorry that it was necessary” that Daniel’s family had to raise concerns about his care during a “distressing time”.
In the letter dated 2 January, 2025, he added: “I am aware that there has been an inquest and the Trust takes the coroner’s conclusions very seriously. The Trust is truly sorry that the events in the lead up to Daniel’s death occurred and on behalf of the Trust, and all the staff involved, I would like to apologise unreservedly for the devastating outcome.”
Daniel's parents campaign to improve sepsis care
Following the settlement, Lindita and Kastriot, aged 44 and 51, have now vowed to keep campaigning to improve sepsis care, especially for neurodivergent children.
Lucy Macklin is the expert medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the family.
Expert Opinion
“Lindita and Kastriot remain devastated by his death, and in particular that an inquest ruled it could have been avoided if Daniel had received the care he deserved.
“While nothing will ever make up for the family’s loss we’re pleased to have at least secured this settlement and apology allowing Daniel’s loved ones to access the specialist support they require to try and come to terms with his death the best they can.
“Not only is Daniel’s death a stark reminder of the dangers of sepsis and how early detection, and treatment are key to beating it, it also vividly highlights how neurodivergent children may present with different symptoms and the importance of health professionals fully listening to parents and acting on their concerns.
“We continue to support the family’s campaign to improve patient safety for neurodivergent children.” Lucy Macklin
Sepsis: Daniel Klosi's story
Daniel’s parents took him to A&E on Sunday, 26 March, 2023. He was sent home a couple of hours later.
On the Thursday night they returned to hospital concerned for Daniel’s breathing. Lindita and Kastriot said they were discharged in the early hours of Friday and advised to give Daniel Calpol and ibuprofen.
The couple continued to be concerned about Daniel, who they said had stopped eating. They took him to hospital on Saturday, 1 April, but were sent home with the same advice as the day before.
The couple returned with Daniel at around 4pm. They said after around four hours in A&E, Daniel was admitted. However, his condition deteriorated, and he died in the early hours of Sunday, 2 April.
If intravenous antibiotics had been given to Daniel during his third visit, he would have survived, the coroner added.
Mum Lindita pays tribute to adorable son as she campaigns for improved sepsis awareness
Lindita, a qualified doctor in her native Albania who has since passed exams to become a doctor in the UK, said: “I’ll never be able to find the words to describe the anger, hurt and pain we continue to wake with each day following Daniel’s death. What happened to Daniel, and especially the care issues he faced, will live with us forever.
“Daniel was such a sweet and adorable little boy. We felt so blessed that he was our son. He brought so much happiness and sunshine to our lives. He didn’t deserve to die like he did because the hospital staff wouldn’t listen to our concerns. That he could have been saved is the most difficult thing to come to terms with.
“Medical staff should never make assumptions about a child’s condition such as I believe they did in Daniel’s case. That he was taken to hospital four times in a week indicated something was seriously wrong and we were right to be extremely concerned about his condition.
“All parents know their children the best, and that’s especially the case with parents of children with conditions such as autism. We know their behaviour, their routines and can speak for them when they may not be able to speak for themselves.
“This has never been about money but getting justice for Daniel and trying to ensure what happened to him doesn’t happen again. I wouldn’t wish what we’re going through on anyone.
“We take some comfort from finally having an apology from the Trust but remain hurt at the length of time it has taken. The Trust publicly apologised at the time of the inquest but it’s only now that we have an in-person apology.
“We still feel proper action, and not just platitudes, needs to be taken to improve how children with autism and other conditions are treated. If by continuing to speak out we can save others, maybe Daniel’s death won’t have been totally in vain.”
Charity UK Sepsis Trust supports family
Dr Ron Daniels, joint CEO of the charity UK Sepsis Trust added: “Sepsis is the biggest killer of children globally, with those in resource poor areas proportionately hit.
“Even in the UK, every year several hundred children succumb to this killer condition. This horrific case highlights – in the worst way possible – the importance of early recognition and immediate treatment in cases of suspected sepsis, but moreover the importance of listening to parents.
"Never is this more critical than in the case of a child who might communicate differently. Parents should trust their instincts, and health professionals should take parental concern incredibly seriously.”
Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting families affected by sepsis at our dedicated sepsis claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.