Compensation for Necrotising Fasciitis in the Hand Misdiagnosis
If a misdiagnosis of necrotising fasciitis has caused you to suffer a reduction in quality of life and income, you may be legally entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Amputation of a hand
Loss of a hand or loss of the function of a hand can be utterly life-changing, affecting not only a person's capacity to carry out everyday tasks but also their ability to work and earn a living.
If a misdiagnosis of the symptoms of necrotising fasciitis has led to a delay in treatment and the loss of a hand or partial loss of a limb, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
How can an infection lead to amputation?
Necrotising fasciitis is an infection. However, it is an infection which causes the deep soft tissue to decay and die. It is also an infection which can spread rapidly through the body's connective tissue. Consequently, although the infection may start in a single finger, it can quickly get to the point where, in order to save the rest of the limb and to halt the spread of the infection to other parts of the body, it becomes necessary to amputate the hand.
Consequences of a necrotising fasciitis amputation
It is highly likely that the loss of a hand will affect a person's ability to work. For the vast majority of forms of employment, the use of the hands is a key factor. In some situations, it may be possible to adjust and continue to work in the same employment. In other circumstances, it may mean that the individual is no longer able to pursue the same career.
It can lead to a significant loss of income and, when this has been caused by negligent medical care, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Misdiagnosis
Necrotising fasciitis mostly commences in the abdomen or one of the limbs, including a finger as a starting point.
It may be that the person has suffered some form of trauma or wound to that finger. They may be exhibiting some of the following symptoms:
- Intense pain which may be disproportionate to appearance or injury
- Swelling and redness or discolouration of the finger
- Tenderness and warmth to the touch
The patient may also be showing signs of infection such as suffering chills of having a high temperature.
It is essential that necrotising fasciitis is considered as a possible diagnosis and that investigations are carried out to rule it out.
A patient with necrotising fasciitis is a medical emergency and a failure to consider necrotising fasciitis, leading to a misdiagnosis may be regarded as negligent and may justify a claim for compensation.
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Contact us to speak with a lawyer, free of charge, if you or a loved one are struggling with the debilitating effects of medical negligence.
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