Can I Get Compensation if I Lost My Leg to Necrotising Fasciitis?
Necrotising fasciitis is a virulent and fast-moving infection of the deep soft tissue of the body. It can spread at a rate of 2 3 cms an hour and the patient can die from multiple organ failure within days if the infection is not diagnosed and treated as a matter of emergency.
Necrotising fasciitis
This appalling illness often starts in one of the limbs, particularly in the legs, and, in order to halt the spread of the infection, it is sometimes necessary for the patient to have a leg amputated. It is not necessarily an act of negligence for this to happen. It may, in fact, save the patient's life.
However, if the severity of the patient's illness was due to a failure to diagnose the illness or a delay in initiating life-saving treatment, the relevant medical professionals may be regarded as having provided substandard care and a claim for compensation may, in fact, be appropriate.
Why is an amputation necessary?
Necrotising fasciitis is a bacterial infection which causes decay within the tissue it infects. The infection can quickly spread through the connective tissue of the body, eventually affecting major organs.
In order to stop the spread of infection, all infected tissue needs to be removed surgically. This process is called debridement.
In some cases, where the spread of the infection is considerable, it may be considered necessary to remove an entire or part of a limb to ensure that all infection has gone.
Diagnosis
Necrotising fasciitis is regarded as an emergency and if a patient attends their GP or Accident and Emergency facility with advanced symptoms, however quickly the medical practitioners diagnose and treat the illness, an amputation may be necessary.
If a patient attends their medical practitioners with early symptoms of the illness, however, which are misdiagnosed or ignored, the relevant medical professionals may be regarded as responsible for the patient's long-term poor outcome.
Necrotising fasciitis occasionally develops whilst a patient is in hospital for another illness. If they have just undergone a surgical procedure, or have a weakened immune system, or require an extended stay in hospital, the patient is more vulnerable to developing this shocking infection. If a patient develops a necrotising infection in these circumstances, there can be little excuse for a delay in diagnosis. The patient's pre-existing vulnerability should have ensured close monitoring by hospital staff and immediate investigation of any signs of infection.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering the shocking, long-term impact of a necrotising fasciitis infection, contact Glynns for legal advice.
We have supported numerous clients who have been affected by necrotising fasciitis and will be very happy to advise you.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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