Compensation for Missed Necrotising Fasciitis Symptoms
Failing to consider the significance of possible symptoms of necrotising fasciitis can prove fatal for the patient. It may also justify the instigation of a claim for compensation.
Suspecting necrotising fasciitis
The soft-tissue infection, necrotising fasciitis, is a fairly rare condition. Nonetheless, if medical professionals harbour any suspicion that a patient may be showing symptoms of this appalling infection, it is absolutely crucial that they take immediate action.
Any delay in confirming a diagnosis and commencing treatment is likely to mean a deterioration in the condition and prognosis of the patient as the infection spreads rapidly through the body.
The key factors and symptoms to take into account with this life-threatening infection include the following:
- Necrotising fasciitis is most likely to develop in the abdomen, the limbs or the perineum (the genital region), although it can occur elsewhere
- Necrotising fasciitis often develops as the result of bacteria accessing the interior of the body through a cut or wound, such as a surgical incision or an abscess. Therefore, if a patient with the symptoms of necrotising fasciitis is known to have recently undergone a surgical procedure, their symptoms should be considered as very serious indeed.
- The symptoms include pain, redness, tenderness and swelling in the region of a cut to the skin
- The pain may be intense and seemingly disproportionate to the extent of the wound
- Patients who are overweight or suffering from diabetes or an underlying health disorder may be particularly at risk.
Any suspicion that a patient may be exhibiting symptoms of necrotising fasciitis should warrant a referral for further investigation. It is not always clear from initial symptoms that the patient is suffering from this shocking infection and it may only become apparent when surgical investigation takes place. A reluctance on the part of medical professionals to refer a patient for investigation may mean that this life-threatening soft-tissue infection has time to spread through the body, causing destruction as it goes.
Medical negligence
If a patient attends their GP with possible necrotising fasciitis symptoms but is not referred for specialist assessment, or if a patient in hospital is suffering with symptoms which are not investigated, they may be regarded as having received substandard care.
If the patient suffers significant, debilitating long-term problems as a result, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor about your situation and the suitability of making a claim for compensation.
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