Negligent Medical Management of Necrotising Fasciitis
Swift, efficient and knowledgeable medical management of a patient with necrotising fasciitis is crucial. From the earliest suspicions of this appalling infection, through to the successful surgical removal of all infection, timing is of the essence.
The consequences of medical delays
Failures in the medical management of this deadly soft-tissue infection can, at best, cause both physical and emotional trauma and, at worst, cause the death of the patient.
The initiation and successful completion of debridement of infected tissue is key to the best long-term outcome. Delays or negligence at any stage can be life-changing:
- The infection may continue to spread through the body
- The patient will require more extensive removal of infected tissue, probably involving numerous surgical procedures and a greater time in hospital
- The patient will suffer greater scarring, deformity, disability and organ problems and may be at risk of needing limb amputation
- The patient may suffer greater psychological damage due to the ravages of this shocking infection
- The patient's long-term health and survival may be compromised by the damage caused by the infection
Medical management of necrotising fasciitis
A successful pathway through the management of necrotising fasciitis requires an awareness of the possible symptoms of this terrible infection as well as an understanding of the urgency of the situation. It requires a skilful surgical approach to the debridement of tissue and meticulous in-patient management and monitoring.
Failings in the medical management of this debilitating condition, which may justify a claim for compensation, could include the following:
- A failure to recognise the possible symptoms
- A failure to seek specialist advice
- A misdiagnosis, allowing time for the infection to spread
- A failure to make a timely referral for investigation
- A delay in the initiation of treatment
When to claim compensation
If a patient suffers as a result of poor-quality medical care of necrotising fasciitis, they may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. This appalling and disabling infection can leave an individual struggling to cope with everyday life, let alone managing to work and function effectively.
If the difficulties which they are facing have been caused in full or in part by negligent medical management of this soft-tissue infection, the financial losses caused by the negligence can be incorporated into a claim.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a legal practice specialising in medical negligence law. We can offer extensive experience of necrotising fasciitis claims and an understanding of the ravages of this shocking infection and its capacity to devastate a person's life.
Contact us today to speak with a 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.