Disability Due to Negligent Medical Care of Necrotising Fasciitis
From prevention to diagnosis and treatment, timely and effective medical management of a patient with necrotising fasciitis is crucial to the patient's long-term health and, sometimes, their very survival.
Suspecting necrotising fasciitis
Poor-quality care may be regarded as negligent and, if the patient suffers a poor long-term outcome, may justify a claim for compensation.
Necrotising fasciitis is a horrific and life-threatening soft-tissue infection. Every attempt should be made to ensure that vulnerable patients are protected against this illness. Patients who are about to undergo surgery should be assessed for their risk of infection. Particularly those who have a weakened immune system, who have chronic health conditions, who are overweight, elderly or who are diabetic may require antibiotics prior to surgery to help ward off infection. A failure to carry out and, where necessary, act on a risk assessment, allowing a patient to become seriously ill may be regarded as negligent. A failure to monitor closely for signs of illness may be seen as substandard care.
A timely diagnosis
Urgent diagnosis is necessary for a patient who is developing necrotising fasciitis. Recognising any risk factors and recognising an possible symptoms can be the key to the patient's survival.
Symptoms which might be indicative of a soft-tissue infection could include the following:
- The patient may have suffered recent trauma to the skin
- They may be exhibiting swelling, redness and tenderness of the skin
- They are likely to be experiencing pain disproportionate to any sign of illness
- They may be suffering with signs of infection such as a fast heartbeat and rapid breathing as well as a high temperature
- They may be experiencing lethargy and nausea
A failure to refer a patient for immediate further tests and a specialist opinion may result in permanent disability, both physical and psychological.
Treatment delays and disability
A delay in initiating treatment can also prove catastrophic for the patient, allowing the infection to spread and increasing the chances of mortality. Due to the progressive nature of necrotising fasciitis, prompt treatment is associated with better outcomes.
The further the infection spreads throughout the body, the more damaging it will be. Greater areas of tissue will be lost and treatment may even require the amputation of a part or all of a limb.
Legal advice
If you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of a necrotising fasciitis infection due to poor medical management, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence law.
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