Can I Sue the NHS for Fournier's Gangrene?
The impact of fournier's gangrene may be addressed in a claim for compensation if medical professionals have been at fault.
Fournier's gangrene in a nutshell
Fournier's gangrene is a life-threatening medical emergency. A specific form of the soft-tissue infection necrotising fasciitis, it originates in the perineal region between the legs and around the genitals.
Once inside the deep, soft tissue, the bacteria responsible for fournier's gangrene causes the death of all tissue it infects. Spreading quickly through the body, it can swiftly threaten the life of the patient.
Consequently, it is crucial that this infection is diagnosed at the earliest possible stage and receives prompt, appropriate and effective treatment.
Negligent medical care of fournier's gangrene
If medical professionals fail in their management of this deadly infection, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
- If negligent care of a patient whilst in hospital leads to them developing this appalling infection, with significant long-term consequences, it may be possible to get compensation. Negligent care may be a failure to provide antibiotics to an at-risk patient undergoing surgery when a risk assessment should have indicated the need for them.
- If a failure to address an existing health issue such as a perineal abscess allows the patient to develop fournier's gangrene, a compensation claim may be appropriate
- If a delay in recognising the possible symptoms of fournier's gangrene or a misdiagnosis allows a deterioration in the patient's condition prior to treatment, leading to a poor outcome, the relevant medical practitioners may be regarded as negligent
- A failure to refer a patient for further investigation and treatment in a timely manner may also be regarded as negligent.
- A delay in initiating debridement surgery once a diagnosis is suspected may also be regarded as negligent
Claiming compensation for the effects of fournier's gangrene
Necrotising fasciitis can have a devastating impact on an individual's physical and psychological health. Attacking the perineum and the sexual organs, it can cause deformity and sexual dysfunction. It can affect the integrity of the bowel, requiring the patient to have a stoma on either a temporary or permanent basis. It can impact other organs of the body, causing long-term ill-health.
If an individual suffers long-term difficulties from Fournier's gangrene, they are entitled to claim compensation from the NHS in so far as their consequences are a result of negligent care.
Speak to a legal specialist
If you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of fournier's gangrene and believe that you may have been the victim of negligent medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors.
We are a long-established, dedicated medical negligence legal practice with considerable experience of necrotising fasciitis claims. Contact us today to speak with a specialist solicitor, free of charge, 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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