Negligent Necrotising Fasciitis and Sepsis Compensation
Sepsis is triggered by infection, often abdominal or respiratory. Necrotising fasciitis can be a trigger and the double impact of sepsis as well as this appalling infection can be life-threatening.
Necrotising fasciitis and sepsis
Necrotising fasciitis is associated with a high mortality rate and, even when the patient survives, they can suffer a hideous array of debilitating effects including devastating tissue loss, bowel dysfunction and amputation. If sepsis develops, the patient can also face multiple organ failure and sight loss. A patient who experiences both of these appalling and life-threatening conditions is likely to experience significant long-term and life-changing disability.
Avoiding this catastrophic outcome relies upon an early diagnosis and emergency treatment of necrotising fasciitis.
Necrotising fasciitis develops when bacteria of varying types accesses the body's deep soft tissue. Once established, it spreads through the body rapidly causing the decay and death of the tissue it infects. Inevitably, this in itself causes considerable devastation to the integrity of the patient's body and threatens their very survival.
If the infection additionally triggers sepsis, the patient's life is put at further risk and the long-term impact is likely to be more severe even if the patient survives.
The need for early diagnosis
An early diagnosis and timely surgical treatment will minimise the risk of sepsis and reduce the likely long-term impact.
A delay in diagnosis and treatment is likely to increase the risk of mortality or permanent disability as well as increasing the risk of sepsis.
Symptoms which might indicate that the patient is developing necrotising fasciitis and might justify further emergency investigation include the following:
- Redness, tenderness and swelling in the abdominal region or one of the limbs. In the case of fournier's gangrene, a form of necrotising fasciitis, these symptoms would be present in the perineal, genital or perianal region around the anus.
- Intense pain which seems disproportionate to the degree of injury
- A history of trauma or a cut or incision to the skin which might have allowed bacteria to access the deep tissue. The patient may have recently undergone surgery or be suffering with an abscess.
Claiming compensation
The long-term impact of necrotising fasciitis and sepsis can be truly life-changing. The patient may find that they are no longer able to work and struggle to remain independent.
If medical negligence has played a part in this catastrophic outcome, the patient is entitled to claim compensation. For example, this may take the form of recompense for lost earnings.
Speak to a specialist lawyer
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of specialist lawyers offering extensive experience and expertise.
If you or a loved one are facing a future with the impact of negligent medical care, contact us to discuss your situation with a view to 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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