Compensation for Amputated Limb After Necrotising Fasciitis Delays
It is extraordinary to think that a soft-tissue infection might require the patient to lose a limb. If this shocking outcome is due to delays in medical care, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Why is an amputation necessary?
Necrotising fasciitis is a very swift-moving infection which travels through the body's connective tissue. As it spreads, it causes the decay of all tissue it infects. Ultimately, this will put the life of the patient at risk.
This appalling infection often commences in one of the limbs and so, in order to prevent its spread to other regions of the body, increasing the risk of mortality, the amputation of the affected limb is sometimes recommended. It may be an extreme response to infection, but it may save the life of the patient.
The impact of a limb amputation
However, the patient who is left without a limb is likely to find that their life is completely altered by this turn of events:
- They may no longer be able to pursue the career they had previously enjoyed
- They may require significant levels of personal support with household and personal tasks
- They may find it extremely difficult to function in their existing type of accommodation and require single storey housing instead
- Their health may suffer in other ways due to the effects of their infection and surgical intervention
- They may no longer be able to access their usual hobbies, sports or social interactions, including personal relationships
- They may struggle with the emotional impact of what has occurred
Medical negligence
If medical professionals had the opportunity to diagnose or investigate the symptoms of necrotising fasciitis but failed or delayed in their response, leading to this appalling outcome, the patient would be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Necrotising fasciitis is a medical emergency and a failure to suspect and investigate this terrible infection may be regarded as negligent.
Making a claim for compensation
A successful compensation claim would address not only the patient's pain and suffering but also the financial impact of the negligence such as a loss of income.
If you or a family member are struggling with the loss of a limb due to poor-quality medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors.
We are a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with considerable expertise in necrotising fasciitis claims. Contact us today to talk to a specialist solicitor about your situation and the suitability of making a claim.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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