Necrotising Fasciitis: Compensation for Medical Negligence
Poor quality medical treatment of necrotising fasciitis can mean the difference between life and death, or between a good outcome and permanent disability. It may also justify a claim for compensation.
Negligent medical care of necrotising fasciitis can occur at different points in the development of the infection. All can bring about a catastrophic outcome due to the virulence of this life-threatening illness.
Prevention
Considering and minimising the risk of infection, particularly in patients who are considered to be at a high risk, is crucial when preparing patients for a surgical procedure. Where a failure to carry out this process allows the patient to develop necrotising fasciitis, the outcome may be life-changing and the relevant medical professional may face a claim for compensation.
Necrotising fasciitis often begins when a cut to the skin allows bacteria to reach the deep, soft tissue of the body. Patients about to undergo surgery are, therefore, at a particular risk and should be assessed for their level of risk prior to the commencement of their procedure.
Specific categories of patient are more likely to be at risk of infection such as those who are elderly or suffering from diabetes and a failure by medical professionals to respond to this risk may be regarded as negligent. At-risk patients may require prophylactic antibiotics prior to surgery to try to prevent infection and a failure to administer these when it would generally have been considered as necessary may be regarded as substandard care.
Diagnosis
Patients in hospital who have undergone a surgical procedure should be monitored closely for signs of infection.
The signs may be local to the wound such as redness, swelling and intense pain which may indicate the bacteria have entered the surgical site and are affecting the tissue.
The patient may also be demonstrating symptoms of infection such as a high temperature or shivering.
The development of necrotising fasciitis is not restricted to patients in hospital. Although it is fairly rare, anyone who receives a cut to the skin is at risk of this appalling infection. Where the above signs and symptoms are associated with a cut to the skin, medical professionals should consider the possibility that the patient is developing necrotising fasciitis. A failure to do so will delay in emergency treatment necessary to fight the infection and may cause the death of the patient.
Treatment
Treatment of necrotising fasciitis is a medical emergency. As well as the administration of antibiotics, the patient will need to undergo surgery to remove all infected tissue.
A delay in initiating treatment will allow the infection to spread. Necrotising fasciitis can spread at an alarming rate and even a delay of a day or two could have catastrophic consequences.
A delay in surgery is likely to mean that the patient will require more extensive tissue removal, causing greater physical destruction to the body. It may increase the likelihood that the patient will have to suffer the loss of a limb in order to halt the spread of the infection.
Consequences of medical negligence
Where the patient survives, a delay in treatment may cause life-changing physical consequences. The day-to-day impact of the loss of a limb or permanent damage to the genitals or abdomen is hard to imagine.
The patient may find not only that they cannot work or drive, but that their very independence has been compromised. They may require additional care at home and their personal and social relationships may suffer.
Making a compensation claim
If you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of necrotising fasciitis due to a failing medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors. We are a specialist medical negligence legal practice with considerable expertise in necrotising fasciitis claims.
Ring us today to talk to one of our experienced solicitors about your situation and 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.
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