Compensation for Missed Perineal Necrotising Fasciitis
Necrotising fasciitis in the perineal and genital area is a medical emergency. A failure to identify or to suspect this life-threatening infection can prove catastrophic to the patient and may justify a claim for compensation.
Fournier's gangrene
The potential long-term impact of perineal necrotising fasciitis, or fournier's gangrene, can be wide-ranging and dramatic.
The ravages of this destructive infection can cause deformity and disability, including loss of sexual function and loss of bowel function. The patient's body will additionally need to undergo several extreme surgical procedures in order to rid it of the infection if the patient is to survive. The patient may need to undergo a colostomy procedure if their bowel function has been compromised and adapt themselves to the use of a stoma.
However, the physical impact is only part of the problem. The trauma of experiencing this shocking illness, the need for an extended period in intensive care and the severity of the necessary surgery can have long-term effects on the patient's psychological well-being.
The broader impact on the patient's quality of life and ability to function independently as well as to earn a living can be undermined, and their long-term health can be reduced.
Medical management
It is crucial, therefore, that any suspicion of a necrotising fasciitis infection in the perineal and genital area prompt immediate action. Even where there is uncertainty as to the diagnosis, erring on the side of caution may prove to save the patient's quality of life, or their life itself.
Necrotising fasciitis is a rapidly-spreading and destructive infection which, if undiagnosed and untreated, will almost certainly lead to the patient's death.
If a patient attends their GP or Accident and Emergency facility with the possible symptoms of perineal necrotising fasciitis, but their symptoms are misdiagnosed and they do not receive a prompt referral for further investigation and tests, the relevant medical professionals may be regarded as having been negligent.
Symptoms which should prompt suspicion of a perineal necrotising fasciitis infection include the following:
- Intense pain in the genital and perineal area
- Tenderness and swelling
- Redness
- There may be a pre-existing wound or condition that may have allowed bacteria to reach the body's deep tissue, such as a bed sore
- The patient may have a high temperature or fever
- There may be a discolouration of the skin
Claiming compensation
If you or a loved one are struggling with the horrific impact of perineal necrotising fasciitis due to poor medical management, contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
We have supported numerous clients with complex necrotising fasciitis claims in reaching highly-successful outcomes and will be very happy to put our expertise at your disposal.
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
