Necrotising Fasciitis: Misdiagnosis and Compensation
Although necrotising fasciitis can be difficult to diagnose, a misdiagnosis will lead to treatment delays and a poor patient outcome. It may also justify a claim for compensation for the trauma and financial problems which the patient continues to suffer.
Misdiagnosing necrotising fasciitis
The early symptoms of necrotising fasciitis include intense pain, probably in the region of a wound or cut, redness or discolouration of the skin, tenderness and swelling.
Necrotising fasciitis often originates in the limbs or abdomen and these possible symptoms can be misdiagnosed as cellulitis or an abscess.
In our experience, necrotising fasciitis has also been misdiagnosed as sciatica, musculoskeletal pain and constipation.
A failure to consider that, in fact, the patient's symptoms may be indicative of this sinister, life-threatening infection which can cause the patient's soft tissue to decay, may be regarded as negligent.
A failure to refer the patient for further investigation will delay what might be life-saving treatment.
The problem of a delayed diagnosis
Treatment of necrotising fasciitis is time critical. The speed with which the infection spreads and the severity of its impact on the patient's body necessitate emergency treatment.
Treatment comes in the form of antibiotics and surgery to remove all infected tissue. Every minute in which diagnosis and treatment do not take place risks a deterioration in the patient's condition and a poor long-term outcome.
Delays in treatment are associated with a greater risk of the patient's death. They are also likely to mean that the patient needs to undergo more extensive tissue removal as the infection will have had time to spread. The more the infection spreads, the more deformity or disability the patient is likely to suffer such as a limb amputation.
Medical negligence
Where medical professionals misdiagnose the symptoms of necrotising fasciitis and fail to refer the patient for further tests or investigation, they may be regarded as having acted negligently.
If the patient suffers a debilitating long-term outcome, with their health and well-being permanently compromised, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
A successful compensation claim will take into account the financial losses caused by the effects of the negligence such as loss of employment and income as well as costs of care.
Speak to a solicitor
Contact Glynns Solicitors if you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling impact of necrotising fasciitis due to misdiagnosis by medical professionals.
Specialists in medical negligence compensation, we will be very happy to discuss your situation with you and advise you as to be best way forward.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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