Compensation for Necrotising Fasciitis after Surgery
Necrotising fasciitis, a life-threatening infection of the soft tissue, is a fairly rare illness. However, it can occasionally occur following surgery, the very nature of which makes the patient vulnerable.
A necrotising fasciitis infection
A wide variety of bacteria can be the stimuli for a necrotising fasciitis infection. Once they have gained access to the interior of the body, they can set off a chain reaction of infection and decay which can spread rapidly through the body. Until all infection is removed, this process will continue, leaving the patient suffering significant tissue loss and the possibility of disability and even death.
The bacteria which cause necrotising fasciitis generally require a portal of access to the body's deep soft tissue and a surgical incision can be the perfect route. This appalling infection often develops in the abdomen or limbs so any symptoms in patients who have undergone abdominal surgery should be carefully assessed.
Caring for surgery patients
NICE, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, issues scrupulous guidelines for the management of patients who are undergoing surgery in order to minimise the risk of infection. The assessment of patients to determine their potential risk, the management of 'at-risk' patients such as those with diabetes and the monitoring of patients who have undergone surgery is essential to protecting patients from harm.
A failure to act in accordance with care guidelines, resulting in the patient developing a necrotising fasciitis infection, can be serious and may justify a claim for compensation.
A failure to monitor a patient effectively and recognise the symptoms of possible necrotising fasciitis at an early stage may also be regarded as substandard care.
Any delay in treatment is likely to increase the severity of the patient's experience and long-term outcome. The likelihood of a fatal outcome is also increased with treatment delay.
Claiming compensation
If you or a loved one are struggling with the shocking impact of a necrotising fasciitis infection due to poor medical care, you should seek specialist medical advice.
If medical negligence, such as failing to administer antibiotics before surgery or a delay in diagnosis, has caused you to suffer a poor long-term outcome and significant financial losses, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors today. We have supported numerous clients in making claims for poor care in relation to necrotising fasciitis and one of our specialist medical negligence solicitors will be very happy to discuss your experience with you.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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