Compensation for Fournier's Gangrene
Fournier's gangrene is a form of necrotising fasciitis, a life-threatening, soft-tissue infection. A failure to diagnose this appalling illness may justify a claim for compensation.
Necrotising fasciitis
Necrotising fasciitis is thankfully rare. Untreated, this horrific infection can destroy a person's body and threaten their life within a matter of days.
It generally develops either in one of the upper or lower limbs, or the abdomen. Once the infection has gained a hold in the body's deep, soft tissue, it causes the death of all the tissue it infects.
Once suspected, its treatment is understandably a matter of emergency. Any delay is likely to bring about a worse outcome for the patient, possibly even their death.
Fournier's gangrene
Fournier's gangrene, an excruciating variant of necrotising fasciitis, can be both physically and psychologically destructive.
It is a form of the necrotising fasciitis infection which affects the genitals, perineum and perianal area - effectively the saddle area.
Although mostly affecting men, women can also develop this shocking infection.
It can result in damage to the testicles, the penis, the perineum and the bowel. It has been known for a man to need his penis removed as the only way of preventing further spread of the infection.
Who's at risk?
Although anyone can develop fournier's gangrene, it is most common in older men.
People who already suffer with diabetes or are overweight are also more susceptible to getting this horrific illness.
It can sometimes result from a surgical wound which presents a portal of entry for the relevant bacteria. Pressure sores or an abscess can also be the origin of a fournier's gangrene infection.
Diagnosis
All the above factors should be taken into account when a patient presents to their medical practitioner with pain and itching in the perineum or scrotum.
As the infection develops, the patient may also show symptoms of a high temperature, fast breathing and confusion.
A willingness to consider that the patient may be developing a form of necrotising fasciitis is absolutely crucial to the survival of the patient. Where there is any doubt in the mind of the medical professional, it is important that the patient under goes further assessment in order to rule out the possibility that they may have this life-threatening illness.
In fact, a surgical assessment is sometimes necessary to establish that the patient is suffering from a form of necrotising fasciitis.
Urgent treatment
A patient suspected of having fournier's gangrene requires emergency treatment with antibiotics and surgical removal of all infected tissue (debridement).
The longer diagnosis is delayed, the more advanced the infection is likely to be and the more extensive any tissue removal will need to be.
One of the horrors of necrotising fasciitis is that both the infection and the treatment are destructive to the body and distressing to the mind.
Medical negligence
Medical professionals may, therefore, be considered to have acted negligently if the symptoms of this condition are not investigated with sufficient urgency.
If delays are caused by the lack of expertise or the caution of medical professionals, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation for the poor outcome suffered due to these delays.
A successful compensation claim can provide financial recompense for loss of past and future income as well as compensating for the victim's pain and suffering.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the permanent and disabling impact - both physical and psychological - of a necrotising fasciitis infection due to medical delays, contact Glynns today.
We have considerable experience of supporting patients who have suffered from this appalling infection and will be very happy to advise you regarding the suitability of making a claim for 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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