Medical Negligence Lawyers Join Former Construction Manager In Raising Awareness Of Life-Threatening Condition

A dad-of-three from Wakefield left paralysed following a delay in being diagnosed with sepsis has revealed how he’s ‘looking to the future’ after his adapted home was completed.

Richard Saberton was admitted to in November 2016 with neck and shoulder pain, confusion and difficulty speaking.  He was suspected to have sepsis, where the body attacks itself in response to an infection. However, it took three hours for antibiotics to be administered.

Richard, from Horbury, went on to develop a spinal abscess and required surgery.  He was left permanently paralysed.

Settlement secured by legal team helps Richard move to specially adapted home

He instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his care. The legal experts secured the dad-of-three, a settlement to help fund the specialist support and therapies he requires.

As part of his settlement Richard and wife Lynn, 74, have moved into a home specially adapted for his needs.  

Richard supports sepsis awareness campaign 

Richard is now joining his legal team in marking World Sepsis Day by speaking out on moving forward with his life.  He’s also keen to raise awareness around sepsis and what signs to look out for.

Expert Opinion

“The past seven years haven’t been easy for Richard and his family as they were faced with difficult challenges following his diagnosis and surgery.

“Accepting what he’s been through has been tough for Richard, particularly being left paralysed. However, we’re delighted that he’s now comfortable in his adapted home, and the settlement continues to ensure he receives the specialist care he needs.

“Richard is an inspiration and shows such bravery and determination not to let his paralysis stop him from making the most out of life.

“While nothing can change what’s happened, Richard is also keen to raise awareness of sepsis and how it can be life-threatening if it’s not treated early. We join him in marking World Sepsis Day.” Rachelle Mahapatra

Medical negligence: Richard Saberton's story

Former construction manager Richard spent nearly a year in hospital following his admission on 5 November, 2016.  

He’s now paralysed from the waist down and suffers from weakness in his arms.

Adaptations carried out to family home

Richard and Lynn, who are parents to Robert, 37, Richard, 36 and Sara, 34, and grandparents-of-five, moved into their adapted home in 2021.  Following extensive groundworks, landscaping and installation of ramps and bifold doors, Richard now has access to 90 per cent of the property.  

A large accessible greenhouse and fish pond also provide him with plenty to do.  A keen cook and gardener, he’s also started growing vegetables and flowers in containers on the patio.

Richard issues sepsis warning

Richard said: “It’s been seven years now and while I still find it hard to come to terms with how my life changed so drastically in such a short timeframe, I know how lucky I am to still be here.

“Since moving into our new home, my life has been a lot easier and I’m very grateful.  It’s taken longer than expected to get it completed, but we made it, with a lot of help from my son Richard and his network of tradesmen.

“Walls were knocked down, doorways and passageways made wider, and bedrooms were combined to make them wheelchair accessible.  The kitchen was also replaced, and the outdoor area we have is amazing.  I’ve really been enjoying being outside and growing my greens; it keeps me busy.

“Since my time in hospital, we’ve been blessed with five grandchildren.  Although I really struggle with the fact I’ll never kick a ball around with them, at least I’m still around to watch them grow and enjoy what I can do with them.

“I’m now looking to the future, but I wanted to share my story to make people aware of sepsis and the importance of being treated early.  I wouldn’t want anyone suffering like my family and I have.”

The signs of sepsis and support available

Signs of sepsis include slurred speech, confusion, extreme shivering and muscle pain, passing no urine in a day, severe breathlessness and mottled or discoloured skin.

World Sepsis Day takes place on 13 September.  For more information visit the website of the charity UK Sepsis Trust.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people and families affected by sepsis at our dedicated sepsis claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.