Is a Delay in Diagnosing Necrotising Fasciitis Negligent?
A delay in recognising the possible early symptoms of necrotising fasciitis or a delay in referring a patient for further investigation may be considered as negligent or substandard medical care.
Considering necrotising fasciitis
Signs and symptoms which might indicate a possible necrotising soft-tissue infection could include intense pain, a wound or cut to the skin, redness and swelling of the skin as well as tenderness of the skin. The patient might also be displaying signs of infection such as a high temperature or rapid breathing.
Other factors which should be taken into consideration could include the likelihood that the patient is susceptible to infection. This might be the case if the patient is on immune-suppressing medication, if they suffer from diabetes, if they are elderly or overweight, or if they have recently undergone surgery, providing an opportunity for bacteria to reach the body's deep soft tissue.
The problem with a delay in suspecting that a patient might be developing necrotising fasciitis relates to the likely impact that such a delay could have on the patient. If necrotising fasciitis was a mild, slow-moving infection, the likely impact of a delay in diagnosis may be negligible. However, that is not the case. Necrotising fasciitis is a life-threatening and virulent infection which can spread through the body's connective tissue at an alarming rate, threatening the patient's life within a matter of days.
Consequently, a delay in diagnosis may not only cause a catastrophic long-term outcome for the patient, it may also justify a claim for compensation.
The possible long-term impact of necrotising fasciitis
The most severe possible outcome is the death of the patient. This appalling infection is associated with a high mortality rate and the later diagnosis is achieved, the more likely a patient may be to die from the impact of the infection.
Any delay is also likely to increase the extent of tissue loss necessary to halt the spread of the infection as well as increasing the extent of scarring as a result of extensive tissue debridement. As the limbs and the abdomen are the most susceptible regions, a patient with necrotising fasciitis may suffer loss of a limb or significant abdominal damage.
Medical negligence
A patient with necrotising fasciitis might present to their GP or they may be in hospital recovering from surgery. Whatever the scenario, the patient requires prompt action if the impact of this debilitating disease is to me minimised.
If medical professionals fail to recognise or consider necrotising fasciitis in a patient with possible symptoms, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Contact a specialist solicitor
Compensation claims for necrotising fasciitis are complex and require the skills of a specialist solicitor.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of a delay in diagnosing necrotising fasciitis, contact Glynns Solicitors, to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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