What Is Medical Negligence in Necrotising Fasciitis?
Necrotising fasciitis is a life-threatening infection and treatment is a medical emergency. Medical negligence may justify a claim for compensation.
Why is necrotising fasciitis a medical emergency?
Necrotising fasciitis is associated with a high degree of mortality. This destructive infection causes the death of all soft tissue which it infects, can trigger life-threatening sepsis and multiple organ failure. It can also spread through the body at an alarming rate, causing the death of the patient in a matter of days.
For these reasons, prompt and efficient medical attention is vital.
Medical negligence and necrotising fasciitis
The level of threat presented by necrotising fasciitis means that any failings in medical care can prove catastrophic. This is true of both the diagnosis process as well as the provision of treatment.
- A delay in recognising or suspecting the symptoms of necrotising fasciitis will inevitably lead to a delay in treatment with possibly devastating results
- A failure to understand the urgency of the situation, leading to a delay in a referral for specialist attention will likewise lead to a delay in emergency treatment
- A delay in commencing treatment in the form of debridement is likely to mean a worse outcome for the patient whether in terms of mortality risk or devastating deformity and disability
- A failure to monitor a patient who has undergone surgery or a failure to provide prophylactic antibiotics to a patient who subsequently develops necrotising fasciitis may also be regarded as negligent
Symptoms of necrotising fasciitis
A patient who may be developing necrotising fasciitis is likely to be exhibiting symptoms of swelling, redness and intense pain, possibly in the region of a cut or wound. This could be the site of a recent surgical incision. This appalling infection has been known to develop following abdominal surgery such as a hysterectomy or caesarean section.
There may be discolouration of the skin and tenderness. A diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis may be especially likely in the limbs or the abdominal region.
Claiming compensation
If you or a loved one are struggling with the on-going effects of necrotising fasciitis, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation. If delays or inappropriate action by medical professionals has contributed to a worse outcome than would otherwise have been the case, the relevant practitioners may be regarded as having provided only a substandard level of care.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice. Contact us to speak with a solicitor with experience and expertise in the medical negligence law. We will be very happy to help you.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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