Medical Failure to Suspect Necrotising Fasciitis
A failure to suspect that a patient may be developing necrotising fasciitis can prove fatal. Even when the patient survives, they may suffer permanent disability. A failure by medical professionals to consider this shocking diagnosis may justify a claim for compensation.
Necrotising fasciitis is a severe soft-tissue infection which causes extreme illness and, unless medical professionals recognise, diagnose and treat this appalling illness as a matter of emergency, can quickly cause the death of the patient.
A soft-tissue infection, necrotising fasciitis causes the decay and death of the tissue it infects, and, as it spreads through the body, threatens the major organs and the patient's life.
A failure to diagnose
Necrotising fasciitis is fairly rare and can be misdiagnosed but a failure to consider it as a possibility in a patient with extreme pain, a possible entry wound for bacteria and symptoms of infection such as a fever, may be regarded as negligent.
If medical professionals do not take this appalling diagnosis into consideration, the patient may be sent home with antibiotics, causing a delay in diagnosis and treatment and increasing the risk of a fatal outcome.
Patients who have recently undergone surgery or have suffered a wound, as well as patients who are diabetic, may be particularly susceptible to a soft-tissue infection.
A failure to seek a second opinion or specialist advice
If a medical professional is confronted by a severe infection, it might be expected that they would seek specialist advice as to its possible nature and the appropriate course of action.
Whether in a GP surgery, Accident and Emergency or a hospital ward, specialist advice is often necessary in the diagnosis and treatment of necrotising fasciitis.
A failure to refer a patient as a matter of emergency or a failure to seek further advice may be regarded as substandard care and justify a claim for compensation if the patient suffers a poor outcome or long-term disabling symptoms.
Legal advice
The on-going impact of a necrotising fasciitis infection can be life-changing, rendering the patient dependant on care and unable to work. It can also, sadly, cause the death of the patient, leaving their loved ones without the personal and financial support of the victim.
Where such a shocking outcome is due to poor-quality medical care, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence claims to talk to a lawyer, with expertise in necrotising fasciitis negligence.
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