Wound Infection Missed and Compensation for Necrotising Fasciitis
If early signs of a severe infection have been missed, you may be able to claim compensation for the consequences.
Necrotising fasciitis
Necrotising fasciitis, a life-threatening soft-tissue infection, can develop when bacteria gains access to the body's subcutaneous tissue through a wound or incision to the skin.
Such a cut may be due to an accident around the house or at work; it may be a deliberate incision to the skin during a surgical procedure; it may be an open wound such as an abscess which has not received appropriate medical care.
The key to a the best long-term outcome from this virulent and terrifying illness is early diagnosis and comprehensive surgical debridement of all infected tissue.
Medical negligence
An early diagnosis is only possible if the patient's symptoms are recognised as being possibly indicative of a severe soft-tissue infection. Failings on the part of medical professionals can delay a diagnosis, putting the patient's long-term health and survival at risk.
Examples of negligent care could include the following:
- A failure to monitor a post-operative patient for signs and symptoms of infection
- A failure to recognise the symptoms of intense pain, skin discolouration, swelling and tenderness in the region of a cut
- A failure to provide appropriate care for an abscess or bed sore
- A failure to refer a patient for emergency specialist care where this would normally have been considered as an appropriate course of action
When to claim compensation
If your GP, hospital professional or Accident and Emergency practitioner have failed in their duty of care to you, thereby allowing you to suffer the appalling long-term impact of a necrotising fasciitis infection, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
A delay in the diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis can leave the patient with long-term, severe disability. The ravages of this appalling infection, along with the traumatic removal of tissue necessary to stem the spread of the infection can leave the patient with permanent and life-changing disability.
Upper or lower limb amputation, bowel dysfunction and scarring and deformity can compromise an individual's ability to work, their safety in their own home and their personal independence.
If you are struggling with these shocking consequences and suspect that you have been the victim of negligent medical care, contact a solicitor to discuss the possibility of making a claim.
Glynns Solicitors
Glynns is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in necrotising fasciitis claims. Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about your situation and the possibility of making a claim.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile
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