Compensating Misdiagnosed Necrotising Fasciitis in the Leg
Pain and swelling in the leg may be deep vein thrombosis. It might be cellulitis. However, it might also be a necrotising soft-tissue infection which requires emergency medical attention. A failure by medical professionals to consider this possibility may be regarded as poor-quality care and may justify a claim for compensation.
Reasons to consider necrotising fasciitis:
- Necrotising fasciitis often originates in either the limbs or the abdomen so symptoms in the leg require close attention. Additional symptoms might include redness or discolouration and tenderness, often in the region of a cut or incision to the skin.
- If such a severe infection in the limbs is ignored, the patient may ultimately require an amputation which may not have been necessary with an earlier diagnosis.
- Treatment for necrotising fasciitis is a medical emergency. This appalling infection spread through the body at an alarming rate and there is no time to lose.
- A necrotising fasciitis infection requires surgical removal of all infected tissue. A delay in diagnosis and treatment will mean that the patient will lose a greater area of soft tissue and suffer increased scarring, deformity and disability as a result.
- A delay in diagnosis may increase the chances that the patient will die.
- Early symptoms of necrotising fasciitis are not always obvious and a diagnosis often relies on the willingness of medical practitioners to consider this infection as a possible diagnosis.
Long-term impact
A patient whose severe leg infection has not received timely treatment may suffer significant loss of mobility.
The long-term impact of such an outcome can affect almost every aspect of life.
Travelling far from home may become difficult, working in many areas of employment may become impossible and carrying out every day personal and household tasks may require additional support. In addition, an individual who has suffers the trauma of a severe necrotising fasciitis infection may continue to experience both physical and psychological symptoms long after the occurrence of their infection.
Claiming compensation for financial losses
The financial implications of a delay in diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis can be considerable. The patient may suffer a loss of income at the same time as experiencing increased care costs.
Where appropriate, a successful compensation claim can help to address these financial difficulties.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the shocking long-term effects of necrotising fasciitis due to poor-quality medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors today to talk to a specialist in medical negligence compensation.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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