Negligent Treatment of a Pressure Sore Leading to Necrotising Fasciitis
When a patient with a pressure sore develops necrotising fasciitis, the long-term impact can be catastrophic. If medical professionals have failed to prevent such an outcome, a compensation claim might be a helpful way forward.
Substandard care
If the care of the patient is considered as responsible for the development of the pressure sore which facilitated the infection, the relevant medical professionals are likely to be regarded as having provided substandard care.
If a patient develops a pressure sore but the quality of care is insufficient, allowing a necrotising fasciitis infection to develop, again, the relevant medical professionals may be considered to have acted negligently.
The bacteria which cause necrotising fasciitis often access the body through an open wound. A pressure sore can be the route of entry and, where medical professionals fail to protect the patient against such as development, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Failure of diagnosis
A patient with a pressure sore requires close and careful monitoring to check for signs of infection.
Some categories of patient are more susceptible both to developing a pressure sore as well as an infection and a failure to monitor those patients might be considered as especially poor care.
Patients who are elderly, who are suffering from diabetes, who have recently undergone surgery or who are overweight are at more risk of serious complications and a failure of care can have catastrophic consequences.
Where such a medical failure leaves the patient with long-term disability and financial problems, a successful compensation claim can help the patient to address their problems.
Preventing pressure sores
Patients who are at risk of developing pressure sores require careful treatment. Assessment of the patient's risk factors should lead to the implementation of protective measures such as regular assisted movement of the patient or a special mattress to reduce the risk.
A failure to carry out a patient risk assessment or to implement the recommended preventative measures would be considered as poor care.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering significant and on-going problems due to a poorly managed necrotising fasciitis infection, contact Glynns to discuss your situation with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
If your care has been of a substandard level, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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