Life-Changing Necrotising Fasciitis Disability and Compensation for Negligence
The impact of necrotising fasciitis can be both swift and devastating. Emergency and competent medical care is essential if the patient is to survive and retain a good quality of life.
A necrotising fasciitis infection
The appalling soft-tissue infection which is necrotising fasciitis causes the body's deep soft tissue to decay. As time passes, the infection rapidly spreads throughout the body, ultimately causing multiple organ failure and the death of the patient.
Often commencing in the limbs, the abdomen or the perineum, it can, where the patient survives, cause permanent bowel dysfunction, loss of sexual function and the need for the amputation - part or whole - of one or more limbs. The long-term health and emotional stability of the patient can be completely undermined.
The infection's capacity to bring about a devastating change to an individual's way of life, including their ability to work, to walk, to drive, to socialise and to function independently, is difficult to overstate.
Diagnosis and treatment
A fairly rare condition, it can affect anyone of any age and is often associated with a wound or injury, such as a surgical incision, an abscess or a cut, which allows the relevant bacteria to gain entry to the body's deep tissue.
Whether in primary care or secondary care, identification, diagnosis and treatment as a matter of emergency are fundamental to a good outcome. A failure to suspect that a patient is suffering with this potentially-fatal infection, will allow time for its ravages to increase, undermining the patient's capacity to survive.
If a patient is suspected of suffering with a necrotising fasciitis infection, the administration of antibiotics and the commencement of surgery are a matter of emergency. Any delay could prove fatal.
Any delay is likely to cause the patient to suffer a worse outcome, requiring more extensive debridement surgery and reconstructive surgery once the infection has been conquered.
Negligent medical care
Negligent medical care can contribute to a poor outcome from a necrotising fasciitis infection in a variety of ways including the following:
- A failure to recognise or suspect the possible symptoms of necrotising fasciitis such as swelling, redness and pain in the region of a wound
- A failure to refer a possible necrotising fasciitis patient for immediate specialist investigation
- A failure to medical care, allowing a necrotising fasciitis infection to develop
- A delay in the commencement of surgery allowing the infection to spread and cause a worse long-term outcome.
Speak to a legal specialist
If you or a family member are struggling with the appalling impact of necrotising fasciitis due to substandard medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors, a dedicated medical negligence legal practice. One of our team of experienced lawyers will be very happy to discuss your circumstances, free of charge, and advise you as to the suitability of making a claim for compensation.
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
