Soft tissue Infection and When to Claim Compensation
The soft tissue infection referred to as necrotising fasciitis causes destruction and devastation to the patient's body. The sooner it is diagnosed the better are the chances for the patient that they will survive with the minimum of tissue loss, scarring and loss of function. Medical delays may justify a claim for compensation.
Necrotising fasciitis damage and disability
The destruction of necrotising fasciitis is two-fold. The bacteria associated with this appalling infection cause the body's tissue to decay. Travelling swiftly through the connective tissue, the infection can ultimately ravage the body and its organs and threaten the life of the patient. Treatment, however, requires that all infected tissue is surgically removed in order to prevent any further spread. This can cause additional damage and disability. For example it is occasionally necessary for a limb, or part thereof, to be removed in order to halt the infection's progress.
Therefore, delays in medical diagnosis and treatment can result in significantly greater damage to the patient than may have been the case with prompt and competent care. Not only will the infection have more time to spread, but the debridement (surgical tissue removal) needed to resolve the infection, will be all the greater. The long-term physical and psychological damage can be catastrophic.
Medical negligence
Necrotising fasciitis is a fairly rare condition and many medical professionals may not have encountered it. It is nonetheless essential that any concerns as to the cause of the of the patient's symptoms, the nature of their condition and the diagnosis should prompt a medical practitioner to seek specialist advice.
The following medical failings may allow the patient to suffer a significant deterioration in both condition and long-term prognosis and may justify a claim for compensation:
- A failure to carry out a thorough examination and assessment
- A failure to recognise or suspect the implications of the patient's symptoms such as intense pain, swelling and discolouration in the region of a cut or incision
- A failure to refer for specialist investigation
- A misdiagnosis
How to claim compensation
A necrotising fasciitis infection can turn an individual's life upside-down. If you or a loved one are struggling with the devastating consequences of this horrific illness and believe that medical negligence may have contributed to your poor outcome, contact a specialist solicitor. They will discuss your experience with you and advise how to move forward with a compensation claim if that appears to be appropriate.
They will have access to the best medical experts who can analyse your medical records and assess the impact of any negligence on your health and well-being. Furthermore, they will have the skills to negotiate the best settlement if it is found that you have, indeed, been the victim of negligent medical care.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced, specialist lawyers. Contact us today and one of the team will be very happy to talk to you 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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