Fournier's Gangrene Delays and Claiming Compensation for Medical Negligence
Medical delays which affect the long-term outcome of a fournier's gangrene infection may be regarded as negligent and may justify a claim for compensation.
The horror of fournier's gangrene
Fournier's gangrene is pretty much as bad as it sounds. A soft-tissue infection which is a form of necrotising fasciitis, this appalling illness causes the decay of all the tissue it infects. Whereas necrotising fasciitis can affect any part of the body, fournier's gangrene is associated with the perineal and genital perianal region. Simply put, it affects the region between the legs including the sexual organs.
Unfortunately, without prompt diagnosis and emergency surgery, this shocking infection can spread through the body and ultimately prove fatal. Given that the only way of preventing the spread of the infection is to remove all infected tissue, the treatment can be almost as devastating as the initial condition.
Furthermore, this appalling condition can trigger sepsis, threatening multiple organ failure.
Patients who survive are likely to suffer physical deformity, disability, practical problems and both psychological and financial difficulties for the rest of their lives.
Clearly an early diagnosis is the key to the best outcome.
Medical negligence and fournier's gangrene
Medical failings which might cause a delay in diagnosis and treatment could include the following:
- A failure to recognise or to suspect the possible early symptoms of fournier's gangrene such as discolouration of the skin, pain, tenderness and swelling
- A delay in making a referral for further investigation or a failure to seek a second opinion
- A misdiagnosis, leading to a delay in an accurate diagnosis
- A delay in initiating treatment or the use of incorrect treatment
Given that fournier's gangrene is a medical emergency, any of the above can contribute to a catastrophic outcome which may have been better with an acceptable level of care.
Making a claim for compensation
Compensation claims for medical negligence are complex. In order to make a claim, it needs to be established that a breach of duty did actually occur, and that the negligence caused the patient to suffer a worse outcome than would otherwise have been the case.
Identifying these facts requires the input of an experienced, specialist solicitor and the best medical experts who will analyse your medical records in order to as sess the quality of your care.
Speak to a specialist
If you think you may have been the victim of negligent medical care in relation to a fournier's gangrene infection, contact Glynns Solicitors. A dedicated medical negligence legal practice, we offer a team of experienced lawyers and extensive expertise in necrotising fasciitis claims.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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