Claiming Compensation for Delayed Investigation of Necrotising Fasciitis
Failing to suspect that a patient may be developing necrotising fasciitis can delay the necessary surgery and leave the patient with permanent disability. It may also justify a claim for compensation.
Suspecting necrotising fasciitis
It may not always be possible to diagnose necrotising fasciitis absolutely from a clinical examination. A scan or surgical investigation may be necessary to identify that the patient is suffering from this terrible infection.
It is also true that it is a fairly rare illness and that many medical professionals may never encounter it. However, the possible consequences are catastrophic, including the possible death of the patient, and so any signs or symptoms that may indicate this fast-spreading infection should receive thorough investigation.
Symptoms indicative of necrotising fasciitis
A patient who is developing necrotising fasciitis may be exhibiting signs of infection such as redness, swelling and intense pain, often in the limbs or the abdominal area. They may also have a high temperature.
It is particularly significant that the patient may have recently suffered an injury or wound to the skin through an accident or due to a surgical procedure which may have allowed bacteria to enter the body and reach the deep soft tissue. Understanding the relevance of this context may be crucial in diagnosing this shocking infection.
The patient may also be in a group which is susceptible to infection such as being diabetic or suffering with a weakened immune system, perhaps through illness or due to treatment such as chemotherapy.
Medical negligence
Any indications that the patient may have necrotising fasciitis should justify a referral for a second opinion or further investigation. It is necessary to rule out this bacterial infection as a possible diagnosis before the likely damage to the patient becomes life-threatening.
Even where the patient survives, a delay in diagnosis and treatment may well mean that their long-term outcome is worse that would have been the case with a more timely diagnosis. Necrotising fasciitis can cause permanent deformity, scarring, damage the functioning of the bowel or necessitate the amputation of part of a limb.
A failure to recognise the possible symptoms or to seek further advice or investigation may be regarded as negligent. If the patient suffers the appalling ravages of this horrific infection due to medical negligence, it may be helpful to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a specialist
Glynns Solicitors is an expert medical negligence legal practice with extensive experience of necrotising fasciitis compensation claims.
Contact us today if you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling impact of necrotising fasciitis due to medical delays.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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