Referral Delays in Necrotising Fasciitis and When to Claim Compensation
You should be legally entitled to make a claim for compensation if the delay in referring you for specialist investigation or tests caused you to suffer a worse outcome than would have been the case with an appropriate referral timing.
Delays in referrals in necrotising fasciitis
The problem with any delay in the provision and processing of medical care is that necrotising fasciitis is a medical emergency.
This appalling soft-tissue infection causes the decay of all the tissue it infects and, given that it is fast spreading through the body's connective tissue, it can affect a considerable area of the body very quickly.
Ultimately, it can lead to multiple organ failure and the death of the patient.
If it commences in one of the limbs, as it sometimes does, it can lead to the amputation of one or more full or partial limbs.
It is difficult to overstate the potential destruction which this shocking infection can cause.
Diagnosis and medical negligence
Diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis is not always straightforward and may require specialist investigation to confirm whether or not this appalling illness is at the route of the patient's symptoms.
Consequently, if there are any concerns that a patient may be suffering with a deep soft-tissue infection, whether at the GP surgery or in hospital, a referral for specialist investigation is essential. The timing of this referral is also a crucial matter. A delay in referral can allow time for the infection to spread, thereby increasing the amount of tissue which will need to be surgically removed if the patient is to have a chance of survival.
When to claim compensation
In this first instance, it is important to bear in mind that claims for compensation for medical negligence have to be issued with a court within three years of the date of the alleged negligence.
Prior to this deadline a thorough investigation has to be carried out into the quality of the patient's medical care. Consequently, if you think you may have a claim, don't delay, speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor at the earlies possible moment. They will advise you on the best way forward.
A patient is legally entitled to claim compensation if it is found that there has been a breach of duty by medical professionals and that it has caused the patient to suffer a worse outcome than would have been the case with an appropriate level of care.
Speak to a legal specialist
If you think you may have a claim, contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence. One of our team of experienced solicitors will be happy to talk to you, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
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This specialisation ensures that we have the skills ready and waiting to help you in the most efficient and economical way.
It also means that we can offer No Win No Fee funding for medical negligence claims which we will discuss with you during your free initial telephone discussion.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
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