Compensation for Negligent Necrotising Fasciitis in the Leg
Necrotising fasciitis in a leg may start with a cut or wound to the skin. If the symptoms are not recognised by medical professionals as suggestive of this appalling infection, the patient may lose the limb altogether.
Necrotising fasciitis in the leg
Necrotising fasciitis is a soft tissue infection which often commences when bacteria accesses the subcutaneous tissue beneath the skin through a cut. This may be only a small wound or it may be a surgical incision. What is important is that it is a portal of entry for bacteria.
If the patient is starting to develop this shocking illness, they may start to experience intense pain in the region of the wound. The skin may become red or discoloured. The leg may swell and become tender in that region.
It is absolutely essential that the possibility of necrotising fasciitis is taken into consideration by medical professionals. If they are uncertain as to the diagnosis, they need to obtain further, specialist advice or recommend that the patient undergoes further investigation. It is sometimes necessary for a patient to undergo surgical exploration before necrotising fasciitis is confirmed. However, a delay, a misdiagnosis, or an unwillingness to consider all the options can be catastrophic for the patient.
Amputation of the limb
The progress of a necrotising fasciitis infection is rapid, destructive and unrelenting. It spreads swiftly and can only be halted by the complete surgical removal of all the infected tissue. The longer such debridement is delayed, the further the infection will have spread. If a patient with necrotising fasciitis in the leg does not receive a timely diagnosis, it may be too late to save the leg and they may have to suffer an amputation.
If the patient has a cut to the leg due to recent surgery, any signs of infection require prompt investigation. If the patient did not receive prophylactic antibiotics prior to surgery, it may be that infection is setting in.
Medical negligence
If possible symptoms of necrotising fasciitis are misdiagnosed, the relevant medical professional maybe regarded having provided substandard care.
If the patient consequently suffers a poor outcome due to the delays involved in their treatment, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Get legal advice
Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence legal practice.
Contact us if you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of necrotising fasciitis due to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
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