Compartment Syndrome and Medical Negligence Claims
If negligent surgery has left you or a loved one struggling with the long-term impact of compartment syndrome, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
What causes compartment syndrome?
Compartment syndrome occurs when the pressure inside a 'compartment', usually in the leg, increases beyond the normal experience of that compartment and starts to cause damage to the structures within the compartment.
The compartments of the legs house the muscles, nerves and blood vessels which provide function to the feet. These vital structures are contained within a lining which means that, if the pressure inside a compartment increases, there is nowhere for that pressure to go. This can then cause damage and loss of function to the muscles and nerves within the compartment.
Compartment syndrome and quality of life
Damage to muscles and nerves can, in turn, cause loss of function. When the leg compartment suffers from increased pressure and nerve and muscle damage, the patient's ability to move their foot effectively may be lost, causing a reduction in mobility.
The patient may also suffer considerable pain as a result of their compartment syndrome.
Walking, undertaking sporting activities, driving and travelling can become extremely difficult. It may prove problematic for the individual to continue to work, depending on the nature of their employment and they may suffer financial losses as a result.
Negligent causation of compartment syndrome
Compartment syndrome as a medical emergency is most likely to occur as the result of an accident but it can also develop if the necessary procedures are not followed during some types of surgery.
If a patient is undergoing extended surgery where the legs need to be raised up in order for the surgeon to gain access to the location of the surgery, the body's circulatory system can struggle to cope. Consequently, it is necessary to ease the patient's position during the course of the surgery and allow normal circulatory function to return.
If this does not happen, blood supply to the muscle compartment can be compromised and the pressure within the compartment can increase. The relevant medical professional may be regarded as having provided poor-quality care.
When compartment syndrome occurs over a short space of time, such as due to surgical negligence, it is a medical emergency. The longer diagnosis and treatment are delayed, the worse the impact of the pressure on the muscles and nerves within the compartment is likely to be. Consequently, the long-term loss of function and disability may also be worse.
Making a claim for compensation
Compensation claims for medical negligence are usually complex and require the skills of a specialist solicitor.
Glynns Solicitors is a medical negligence legal practice with considerable expertise in a wide range of medical conditions.
If you or a loved one have suffered the severe impact of compartment syndrome due to substandard care during surgery, contact us to talk to a specialist solicitor about the suitability of making a claim for compensation.
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