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Necrotising Fasciitis Negligence and Permanent Disability

If diagnosis and treatment of necrotising fasciitis are delayed, the patient is increasingly likely to suffer permanent disfigurement and disability.

Why is necrotising fasciitis so destructive?

Necrotising fasciitis is a severe infection which destroys the body's deep soft tissue. It most frequently develops in either the limbs or the abdomen and can spread at an alarming rate though connective tissue.

Consequently, every hour and every day in which treatment does not take place, puts the patient's long-term health at greater and greater risk.

Ultimately, the patient's hands, feet and limbs are at risk and it may be necessary for a limb to be amputated before the infection is effectively halted. Where the infection occurs in the abdomen, delays in treatment may lead to permanent bowel dysfunction.

The only effective treatment for necrotising fasciitis is comprehensive surgical removal of all infected tissue. The later in the course of the infection this process commences, the more tissue the patient will lose. This will necessitate greater need for restorative surgery and greater scarring and deformity.

Early diagnosis and treatment

The key to the best outcome from this appalling infection is to achieve diagnosis and treatment at the earliest possible moment.

For this to occur requires that medical professionals have the knowledge and willingness to consider a severe soft-tissue infection as the cause of their patient's symptoms.

Any uncertainty as to the severity or nature of an infection should be referred for a second opinion and specialist advice in order to avoid a devastating outcome.

Early symptoms are likely to include redness and swelling in the location of a wound, intense disproportionate pain, and infection symptoms such as a high temperature.

Medical negligence

A failure to recognise or suspect the symptoms of necrotising fasciitis may be regarded as poor-quality medical care.

A failure to consider the patient's at-risk factors such as recent surgery or the presence of diabetes may additionally be regarded as substandard care.

A failure to make an appropriate referral or arrange for prompt treatment may be regarded as negligent.

If the patient suffers a poor long-term outcome as a result of such medical negligence, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.

Speak to a specialist solicitor

Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence compensation legal practice. We have considerable experience of supporting claims for negligence relating to necrotising fasciitis and will be very happy to advise you.

If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling impact of necrotising fasciitis due to delayed medical treatment, contact us today.

Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.