Parents Instruct Medical Negligence Lawyers To Help Secure Answers

A couple are warning of the dangers of sepsis after saying they were sent home from hospital and advised to give their four-year-old son Calpol hours before his death.

Daniel Klosi’s parents, of Kentish Town, Camden, London, have now instructed specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate their concerns and help secure answers.

Four-year-old taken to hospital four times in week prior to death

Lindita Alushi and Kastriot Klosi had taken their son to the Royal Free Hospital four times in the week before his death.

Each time they said they were concerned their son was seriously ill but they were sent home. On their fourth visit, after an assessment, Daniel was admitted to the children’s emergency department. Doctors suspected he had sepsis, a life-threatening condition where the body attacks itself in response to an infection.

He died just after midnight on 2 April. Following Daniel’s death it was confirmed he had sepsis. An exact cause of death is yet to be confirmed.

Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, has launched an investigation. Daniel’s death has been referred to a coroner.

Medical negligence lawyers helping couple obtain answers

Mum, Lindita, aged 43, and dad, Kastriot, aged 49, have asked expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help them obtain answers from the Trust.

With investigations ongoing, they’re now keen to raise awareness of the condition, the signs and the need for treatment.

Expert Opinion

“This is a truly tragic case. Attempting to try and come to terms with Daniel’s death and the circumstances over the last few months has been incredibly difficult for Lindita and Kastriot.

“Understandably not only do they remain devastated but they have a number of questions and concerns about Daniel’s death and the circumstances surrounding it.

“While nothing will ever make up for their loss, we’re determined to support them so they can at least get the answers they deserve.

“Sepsis is an incredibly dangerous condition which can lead to devastating consequences.

“We join Lindita and Kastriot in urging everyone to be aware of the signs of sepsis. If people suspect they or a loved one has sepsis, it’s vital that they seek medical help as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment are key to successful medical treatment.” Lucy Macklin, Medical Negligence lawyer

Sepsis: Daniel Klosi's story

Daniel’s parents took him to A&E at the Royal Free Hospital on Sunday, 26 March. He was given steroids for suspected croup and the family sent home a couple of hours later.

On 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.

Lindita and Kastriot continued to be concerned about Daniel, who they said had stopped eating. They took Daniel to hospital on Saturday, 1 April, but said they 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 morning.

On the last three visits to hospital Lindita and Kastriot asked doctors to perform blood tests but these weren’t carried out, the couple said.

Lindita, a pharmacy assistant and qualified doctor in her native Albania, said: “Each time we took Daniel to hospital it was because we thought his condition was getting worse.

“We asked for tests such as blood tests and X-rays but it felt like our concerns weren’t fully listened to.

“We were getting more concerned about Daniel as it looked to us like his condition was deteriorating. When he was admitted to hospital everything seemed to move so quickly and in just a few hours Daniel had died. We felt so helpless watching him being taken from us in the most terrible way.  

“It’s almost impossible to find the words to describe the last few months and what we’ve been through. If it wasn’t for the hurt and pain we feel each day it would almost seem unreal that Daniel died.

“Daniel was the most amazing little boy and we were so proud he was our son. He loved cooking and baking with me. He loved animals, listening to stories and playing with his friends. Daniel was very inquisitive and curious. He was just an absolute delight and didn’t deserve to die.”

Parents supported by UK Sepsis Trust in raising awareness

Following Daniel’s death Lindita, who is studying for exams allowing internationally qualified doctors to work in the UK, and Kastriot, a care assistant, have been supported by the charity the UK Sepsis Trust. The couple have also been in contact with politicians, including Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, about Daniel’s care.

Kastriot said: “I don’t think we’ll ever get over losing Daniel especially in the way we did. We’d do anything to have him back in our lives but we know that’s not possible.

“One of the hardest things to try and come to terms with is having so many unanswered questions about those final days. We can’t undo what’s happened but the least we can do is at least honour Daniel’s memory by getting the answers we and he deserves.

“The support we’ve had, including from family and friends and charities over the last few months has meant so much to us. I’m not sure we’d have been able to cope if it wasn’t for them.   

“However, we feel we deserve answers as to why Daniel died. We also hope that by speaking out we can help raise awareness of sepsis and help others. We wouldn’t wish what we’re going through on anyone.”

For more information visit www.sepsistrust.org

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling medical negligence cases