Necrotising Fasciitis, Sepsis and Compensation for Medical Negligence
Necrotising fasciitis is associated with a high mortality rate. This destructive infection not only destroys the body's deep, soft tissue, but can cause the patient to develop sepsis. Negligent medical care may justify a claim for compensation.
Necrotising fasciitis and sepsis
Necrotising fasciitis is a soft-tissue infection, often the result of an incursion of bacteria into the body through a cut or incision. Once established, the bacteria causes all infected tissue to decay, compromising the body's function. It can spread rapidly through the body's connective tissue, resulting in worsening illness and reducing the patient's long-term health and survival.
Sepsis is a dysfunctional immune system response to infection, often abdominal or respiratory. It is sometimes triggered by necrotising fasciitis and can lead to multiple organ failure and the death of the patient.
Patients with necrotising fasciitis and sepsis are severely ill. Without prompt diagnosis and emergency treatment, the patient may die.
Medical negligence
The timing of medical intervention in the care of a patient with necrotising fasciitis is crucial to their long-term outcome. Negligent medical care which could cause a delay in the initiation of vital surgical treatment and contribute to the patient's disability or death could include the following:
- A failure to examine the patient for signs and symptoms of necrotising fasciitis such as discolouration of the skin as well as swelling and tenderness, especially in the region of a cut
- A failure to recognise or, at least, to suspect the symptoms of a soft-tissue infection
- A delay in making a referral for specialist investigation and intervention
- A failure to recognise or test for signs of infection such as reduced blood pressure or fast heartbeat
A necrotising fasciitis infection requires the administration of antibiotics and the surgical debridement of all infected tissue as a matter of emergency.
Any delay allows the infection to spread and is likely to impact the patient's long-term health.
Claiming compensation
If a patient dies from necrotising fasciitis and sepsis due to negligent care, their loved one may be able to make a claim for compensation.
Should the patient survive but suffer long-term disability and associated financial losses, they may be entitled to make a claim for compensation for those consequences.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors specialises in medical negligence compensation and can offer extensive expertise of necrotising fasciitis claims.
Contact us today to speak with an experienced solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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