Claiming Compensation for Delayed Diagnosis of Necrotising Fasciitis
A delay in diagnosing necrotising fasciitis may be regarded as negligent. This appalling illness can cause catastrophic disability and a failure in medical management may justify a claim for compensation.
The effect of necrotising fasciitis
A patient who is developing necrotising fasciitis needs to be diagnosed at as early a stage as possible. This virulent infection can spread at an astonishing speed and any delay in diagnosis and treatment may mean that the patient suffers more pain, more loss of tissue, greater surgical intervention and may lose their life.
The early signs of necrotising fasciitis may involve a cut or incision to the skin where bacteria has gained access to the deep soft tissue of the body. This bacteria can release toxins which cause the tissue to decay and will also spread to surrounding tissue causing the destruction of that also.
As this process continues, the body's organs are threatened and the patient may lose their life.
Diagnosing necrotising fasciitis
A patient at the early stages of the infection may be experiencing redness, tenderness and swelling of the skin alongside intense pain in that region.
As the patient deteriorates, they are likely to display signs of infection such as a fast heartbeat, a high temperature or chills. They may develop sepsis which will threaten multiple organ failure and death.
The early symptoms of necrotising fasciitis may not be easy to diagnose as they may be confused with other medical problems such as deep vein thrombosis or cellulitis. It is vital, therefore, that medical professionals consider the possibility that the patient may have necrotising fasciitis. A high level of suspicion is necessary as a failure to consider this most aggressive and destructive illness may mean that patient's chance of survival is lost.
The longer diagnosis is delayed, the worse the patient's long-term outcome is likely to be. The spread of the infection will probably be more extensive, requiring more invasive surgical removal in order to halt the infection. This may even entail the removal of a limb if this is considered necessary to save the patient's life.
At-risk patients
Patients in hospital who have undergone a surgical procedure may be at risk of developing this appalling illness and any signs of infection in these patients should be taken very seriously indeed.
A failure to respond to signs of infection in a post-surgery patient may be regarded as negligence and justify a claim for compensation.
Care of susceptible patients such as the elderly and those with a weakened immune system requires close monitoring as an untreated abscess or pressure sore can provide a route of entry for the bacteria which cause necrotising fasciitis.
Medical negligence
If you or a loved one experienced late treatment of necrotising fasciitis due to a failure by medical professionals to consider the possible implications of your symptoms, you may be suffering a range of debilitating symptoms and effects such as the following:
- Extensive scarring
- Loss of significant amounts of body tissue
- Loss of a limb, digit or hand
- Loss of bowel function if the perineal or abdominal region was affected
- Mobility problems
- Psychological problems
You may struggle to remain independent and to continue to work due to the severity of your symptoms.
Claiming compensation
A successful compensation claim can provide recompense for pain, suffering and financial losses. If your capacity to work has been restricted due to the impact of this appalling illness, you might want to consider making a claim. If you require assistance in your daily living as a result of your illness, a successful claim may make this possible.
Call Glynns today if you are considering making a claim for compensation. We have supported numerous clients in claiming for poor delayed diagnosis of 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.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
