Claiming Compensation for a Necrotising Fasciitis Fatality
The horrific infection which is necrotising fasciitis is associated with a high mortality rate. A prompt, skilled diagnosis followed by emergency surgery is crucial to the patient's survival.
A failure by medical professionals to recognise, diagnose and treat this life-threatening infection may justify a claim for compensation.
The threat of necrotising fasciitis
The problems presented by necrotising fasciitis are many:
- This deep soft tissue infection causes the bodily tissue which it encounters to decay and die, increasing the vulnerability of the patient, undermining their body's life-support systems and potentially reducing the effectiveness of antibiotics
- The infection can spread through the body's connective tissue at an alarming rate, threatening the life of the patient within a matter of days
- The only treatment for necrotising fasciitis is for all infected tissue to be surgically removed, in itself a traumatic experience for the body of the patient who is already struggling to survive. Such a savage but essential form of treatment may even demand that a limb is amputated. The toll on the patient's body is considerable.
Diagnosing necrotising fasciitis
Diagnosing this appalling infection is not always easy as its key symptoms of pain, swelling, redness or discolouration of the skin may be confused for other physical problems such as cellulitis. In the case of necrotising fasciitis, however, it may be significant that the patient has recently undergone surgery or has suffered a wound to the skin, thereby giving access to the causative bacteria. However, where there is any concern that the patient may be suffering from necrotising fasciitis, a referral for further specialist investigation is crucial
A delay may prove catastrophic.
Making a claim for fatal medical negligence
If a loved one has died due to poor-quality medical care such as a delay in diagnosis or treatment of necrotising fasciitis, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Especially where the victim was a key income provider within the householder or a significant care-giver, their loss may have a huge financial impact on those left behind.
Where medical negligence is a factor, a successful compensation claim can address the issues of financial losses.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of losing a loved one to necrotising fasciitis following medical negligence, contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist solicitor.
We have extensive experience in necrotising fasciitis claim and one of our team will be very happy to discuss your options with you.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.