Necrotising Fasciitis

Necrotising Fasciitis Negligence and Quality of Life

The timing of treatment is absolutely crucial for a patient who is developing necrotising fasciitis. A delay in either diagnosis or treatment may be regarded as negligent and justify a claim for compensation.

Necrotising fasciitis is associated with a high mortality rate. Even where the patient survives, they can suffer permanent disability due to the potency of the infection and its ability to destroy all soft tissue in its path. Disability may present as the loss of a hand, a foot or an entire limb. It may be the loss of bowel function and the need for a permanent colostomy. It may be scarring and deformity elsewhere. The impact on the everyday existence and quality of life of the patient can be physically, psychologically and financially devastating.

It is essential, therefore, that this appalling infection is diagnosed as promptly as possible and receives the most scrupulous and timely medical attention.

Diagnosis

Although necrotising fasciitis is relatively rare, it is nonetheless important that medical professionals are familiar with the symptoms and willing to consider it as a possible diagnosis.

A delay in diagnosis or a delay in seeking specialist advice will inevitably lead to a deterioration in the patient's condition and a worsening of their likely long-term outcome.

Medical professionals who are faced with a patient with intense pain, redness and swelling in the location of an incision or cut to the skin should consider the possibility of investigating for necrotising fasciitis.

A failure to consider this possibility, a failure to seek further advice and a failure to refer the patient for urgent investigation may be regarded as negligent.

Treatment

Delays in treatment of necrotising fasciitis are associated with the need for more surgical procedures to resolve the infection, greater tissue loss, a higher chance that the patient will need a limb amputated and a greater risk of mortality.

Initiating surgical treatment is a matter of emergency. The patient needs all infected tissue to be surgically removed from their body as quickly as possible in order to give them the best chance of a good long-term quality of life.

A delay in arranging for surgical intervention where a patient is suspected of having necrotising fasciitis may be regarded as negligent.

Claiming Compensation

If a poor long-term outcome is due to delays caused by medical professionals, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.

If the patient has incurred significant financial losses, such as loss of income, due to the negligence, a successful compensation claim can provide recompense for those losses.

Speak to a solicitor

If you or a loved one are struggling with the shocking impact of necrotising fasciitis due to delays in medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors to discuss your situation with a specialist medical negilgence solicitor.

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