Does Necrotising Fasciitis Justify a Claim for Negligence?
If you or a loved one are struggling with this appalling infection, you may be wondering when it is appropriate to make a claim for compensation for negligence.
Negligent necrotising fasciitis?
Acquiring or developing necrotising fasciitis is not necessarily a sign of negligence. This life-threatening soft-tissue infection is generally caused by the spread of a range of bacteria from the outside of the body top the deep, soft tissue through a wound, cut or incision to the skin. This may be due to a graze or an accidental injury although it may also be due to negligent care of a pressure sore or abscess.
However, once apparent or suspected, necrotising fasciitis is regarded as a medical emergency and negligence may be considered to have occurred if medical professionals fail to provide the appropriate care for a patient who is experiencing this appalling infection.
It may be possible to make a claim for compensation for necrotising fasciitis if the patient is found both to have experienced substandard care and to have suffered adverse long-term consequences which would not have been the caser with an acceptable level of care.
Examples of negligent medical care
Examples of negligent care which may justify a claim for compensation could include the following:
- A failure to provide prophylactic antibiotics when these would normally be considered necessary, such as prior to surgery, thereby allowing the patient to develop this appalling infection
- A failure to diagnose or adequately treat a condition such as an abscess, thereby allowing the patient to suffer necrotising fasciitis
- A failure to recognise or suspect the symptoms of necrotising fasciitis such as intense pain, redness, swelling and tenderness in the region of a cut or wound
- A failure to make a referral for specialist intervention, or a delay in doing so
- A delay in initiating debridement surgery
Claiming compensation for negligence
If you think that you may be entitled to make a claim, you should contact a specialist solicitor.
Compensation claims for medical negligence can address the issues, symptoms and difficulties caused by the negligence such as mobility problems and personal care, the need for accommodation adaptations and loss of income.
Speak to a specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a legal practice operating across England and Wales which specialises in medical negligence law.
With extensive experience of necrotising fasciitis claims, we are ideally placed to advise and support you through the complex process of making a claim.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge.
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
