Peripheral Arterial Disease Negligence
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) must be diagnosed and treated or the limb could suffer severe damage, resulting in an amputation.
What is lower limb arterial disease?
Peripheral arterial disease, or lower limb arterial disease, is when fat builds up in the arteries, restricting the blood supply to the legs. These fatty deposits are called atheroma and are made up of cholesterol and waste products.
People over the age of 70 are most at risk of developing the problem, as are people who smoke, have high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.
When atheroma causes the narrowing of arteries, limiting the blood supply to the legs, it is called atherosclerosis. This will lead to a painful aching in the leg, particularly when walking or running.
Treating lower limb arterial disease
Peripheral arterial disease can be successfully treated with medication and lifestyle changes. In some cases surgery will be required.
Although PAD can be successfully treated with non-invasive methods, it is essential that there is not a delay in treatment. This is because the restricted blood supply to the legs will deprive the limb of oxygen. This is called lower limb ischaemia. If the limb remains deficient in oxygen for too long, the muscle and tissue will suffer harm.
Lower limb ischaemia and amputation
If PAD is not treated and lower limb ischaemia occurs, the consequences can be devastating. In cases of acute onset, severe damage to the muscles and tissue can arise within six to eight hours. In cases of gradual onset, extensive injury can arise within weeks or months. Once the limb has sustained such an injury it cannot be saved and must be amputated.
Should a patient need an amputation due to lower limb ischaemia, questions must be raised as to whether doctors could have done more to save the leg. If it is found that medical error caused a delay in diagnosis and treatment, there will be a case of medical negligence.
Claiming for a wrongful amputation
If you have undergone a leg amputation due to medical error, please get in touch with us today.
We will be able to advise you upon your options, suggesting whether or not you could be entitled to pursue legal action. If so we will help you throughout the case, working on your behalf to obtain the compensation you rightfully deserve. This is intended to reflect the physical, emotional and financial damages you have wrongfully incurred.
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