Making a Claim for Necrotising Fasciitis Treatment Delays
Surgery for necrotising fasciitis is a medical emergency. This horrific illness is a fast-moving and life-threatening infection and a delay in organising treatment may justify a claim for compensation.
The impact of delays in treatment
Treatment for necrotising fasciitis involves the rapid administration of intravenous antibiotics plus the emergency surgical removal of all infected tissue.
Necrotising fasciitis develops when the causative bacteria reach the deep soft tissue of the body where they start to cause decay. For this reason, this shocking infection is often described as the 'flesh-eating disease'.
The infection can spread through the body swiftly and every delay can mean that the patient will suffer a worse long-term outcome, if they survive at all.
This soft-tissue infection has a high mortality rate and a delay in diagnosis and treatment can prove fatal.
Surgical removal of all infected tissue (known as debridement) is essential to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient. Unfortunately, due to the virulence of the infection, the longer surgery is delayed, the more tissue will have been infected and the greater the extent of tissue which will need to be removed.
The patient can suffer significant damage from both the infection and the cure. Once the infection is halted, the patient is likely to require additional surgery to repair the scarring and the damage caused by the surgical debridement.
Timely treatment
Consequently, once a patient has been diagnosed with necrotising fasciitis, it is crucial that treatment is commenced as soon as possible. This will help to ensure the best chance of survival, the least spread of the infection, the minimum amount of damage from surgery and the least plastic surgery.
Conversely, a delay in organising treatment may mean that the patient suffers an appalling long-term impact and extensive debridement, possibly requiring the amputation of a limb, if they survive at all.
Medical negligence
If medical professionals fail to recognise the emergency nature of this terrible infection and treatment is delayed, they may be regarded as having provided substandard care.
If the patient suffers a poor long-term outcome, or dies, as a result of the unnecessary delay, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one have suffered due to a delay in treating necrotising fasciitis, contact Glynns Solicitors today.
We have supported numerous clients who have claimed compensation for a substandard medical response to this appalling infection and we will be very happy to advise 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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