Failing to Suspect Necrotising Fasciitis
A delay in the diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis can prove fatal. A reluctance to refer a patient for immediate further investigation may be regarded as substandard care.
Necrotising fasciitis diagnosis
A patient who is exhibiting swelling, pain and tenderness in a limb or the abdomen or the perineal region may not be developing necrotising fasciitis. However, a failure on the part of the relevant medical professional to at least suspect this possible diagnosis may prove fatal to the patient.
Necrotising fasciitis is a swift-moving infection of the deep soft tissue which, untreated, will almost definitely cause the patient to die.
At best, a delay in diagnosis is likely to cause the patient to suffer a distinctly worse outcome than may have been the case with a more timely diagnosis.
Where the patient is also presenting one or more risk factors, such as excess weight or diabetes, it may be considered as particularly poor care.
If the patient has recently sustained an injury or undergone surgery and thus has a wound which may provide bacteria with a portal of access to the underlying soft tissue, it may also be appropriate to consider the possibility of necrotising fasciitis as a diagnosis of their symptoms.
A swift referral for further investigation can give the patient access to the necessary surgery, antibiotics and intensive care support.
A failure to suspect necrotising fasciitis and a failure to seek further opinion may be a death sentence.
Medical negligence
Where a patient suffers a poor long-term outcome due to substandard medical care, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
A successful compensation claim can recognise the impact of the patient's pain and suffering as well as provide recompense for the financial losses associated with the negligence. The patient may no longer be able to work and a successful claim will compensate for this loss of income.
The patient may require care or they may no longer be able to function in their existing home, and a successful claim can take this into account.
Speak to a specialist
If you or a loved one are struggling with the long-term impact of a failure to make a timely diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis, contact Glynns Solicitors.
We are a specialist medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in necrotising fasciitis claims, and one of our team of experienced solicitors will be very happy to talk 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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