Claim Compensation for Delayed Treatment of Necrotising Fasciitis
Delayed treatment of necrotising fasciitis can be life-changing. It can also be life-threatening. It is possible to make a claim for compensation where a poor outcome has been influenced by negligent medical care.
The significance of time in necrotising fasciitis
The diagnosis and treatment of necrotising fasciitis is a medical emergency.
This appalling soft-tissue infection encompasses two destructive elements. Firstly, it can spread through the body's connective tissue at an alarming rate. Secondly, it causes the decay and death of the tissue which it infects. In combination, this terrible illness can cause the death of the patient in a matter of days.
Even when the patient survives, the longer treatment is delayed, the more the infection will have spread through the body and the greater the extent of damage to the patient's body will be.
The only way to treat necrotising fasciitis is to surgically remove all damaged and infected tissue. Consequently, the more tissue which has been infected, the more will need to be removed. This process, in itself, is traumatic to the body and can cause additional problems for the patient.
For example, necrotising fasciitis often commences in the limbs and, where the spread of the infection threatens the rest of the body, it may be deemed necessary to remove the infected limb.
It is clear, therefore, that the earlier a diagnosis is achieved, the earlier treatment can begin and the patient then has the best chance of a positive outcome.
Medical negligence in the diagnosis and treatment of necrotising fasciitis
There are a few key moments in the medical care of this insidious infection where a failure by a medical professional can make a significant negative impact on the patient's future:
- A failure to recognise the possible signs and symptoms of necrotising fasciitis
- A failure to make a timely referral for further investigation, leading to a delay in treatment
- A delay in initiating treatment
- A failure to provide appropriate medical care of a pre-existing condition such as an abscess, allowing the patient to develop this appalling infection.
Seek specialist advice
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence compensation legal practice. We have extensive expertise and experience in claims for negligent care of necrotising fasciitis.
If you or a loved one believe that you may have a claim, contact us today to talk to a specialist solicitor, free of charge, about your situation.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.