Compensating Medical Negligence and Post-operative Infection
A post-operative infection due to medical negligence can leave the patient severely disabled. It can also justify a claim for compensation for the associated pain, suffering and financial losses.
Surgical infection risks
Major surgical procedures put the patient at risk of infection and require scrupulous medical management in order to minimise that risk and monitor for any symptoms.
Procedures such as orthopaedic surgery, gynaecological surgery and abdominal surgery can all introduce the possibility of infection, undermining the success of the procedure.
The possible impact of post-surgical infection
At the very least, it may require the patient to undergo further surgery to resolve the effects of the infection. Where joint surgery is concerned, a surgical site infection may necessitate the removal of the new joint in order to try to address the infection.
Unfortunately, a surgical site infection can develop into a life-threatening scenario. It may, for example, trigger a sepsis reaction as the immune system tries to respond to the infection. Sepsis can cause multiple organ failure and the death of the patient if it is not identified and treated promptly.
Major surgery can also make a patient vulnerable to a soft-tissue infection such as necrotising fasciitis, as bacteria invades the body and spreads rapidly through the soft tissue causing decay and deformity.
Medical negligence
Medical professionals should ensure all measures are undertaken to reduce the likelihood that a patient will develop and suffer from a post-operative infection. They may be regarded as having provided substandard care in the following circumstances:
- A failure to assess the patient's risk of infection
- A failure to provide prophylactic antibiotics prior to surgery where it would normally have been considered necessary
- A failure to monitor the patient for signs of infection
- A failure diagnose and treat infection
Claiming compensation
If a failing in medical care has caused a patient to suffer significant problems and financial losses, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
A successful compensation claim can address these issues and provide the victim with recompense, such as loss of income due to an inability to work.
Talk to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the long-term impact of a post-operative infection, contact Glynns Solicitors. We are specialists in medical negligence compensation and one of our team of experienced lawyers will be very happy to discuss your situation and advise you as to the best way forward.
Early legal assistance can be vital so please contact us if you would like to discuss your situation. Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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