Negligent Compartment Syndrome Compensation
Compartment syndrome is a painful and potentially debilitating condition. If caused by medical negligence, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
What causes compartment syndrome?
The term 'compartment syndrome' refers to a condition which affects the 'compartment' which houses the muscles in the limbs. If pressure builds up within a compartment, it can have several damaging effects. It may compress the blood vessels, causing a reduction in oxygen supply to the muscles. This in turn can cause a loss of function which, if untreated, may become permanent. If the muscle does not work, the limb will not be able to function.
The nerves within the compartment may also be affected, causing further debilitating symptoms.
Loss of function of a limb can affect almost every aspect of life including the ability to work, travel, carry out normal daily chores and remain independent. The effect on an individual's quality of life and that of their friends and family can be significant.
Compartment syndrome and medical negligence
Compartment syndrome is often caused by injury. However, it is occasionally caused by negligence during surgery and, where that is the case, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Extended surgery requires a patient to be immobile for a long period of time and this can cause a number of physical problems. As a result, it is recommended that the positioning of the patient is closely monitored and, where the surgery requires the legs to be elevated, that they are relaxed part way through surgery to facilitate blood flow and prevent the build-up of pressure.
If a patient is left in an unnatural position during surgery for too long a period of time, there is a risk of pressure developing inside muscle compartments.
If this occurs, the patient may need emergency surgery to open the compartment and thereby reduce the pressure.
If the patient's condition is not identified or if the necessary action is not taken, the patient risks being disabled for life.
If this should happen, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation for the impact of the negligence.
If the patient is no longer able to work, for example, a successful compensation claim will take that circumstance into account and can provide recompense of loss of earnings.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the permanent impact of compartment syndrome sue to poor-quality medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors.
We are specialists in medical negligence compensation and one of our experienced solicitors will be very happy to talk to you.
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