Medical Negligence Compensation in Necrotising Bacterial Infection
Negligent delays in treating necrotising fasciitis may justify a claim for compensation.
A necrotising bacterial infection
A necrotising bacterial infection refers to an infection which causes the decay and death of the body's tissue. Moving swiftly through the body, it has the capacity to cause severe, widespread trauma to the body and, if diagnosis and treatment are delayed, may even cause the death of the patient.
In the case of necrotising fasciitis and fournier's gangrene (specific to the perineal region), the relevant causative bacteria may enter the body through an open wound or cut, triggering infection and sepsis.
As the infection moves through the body, an increasing area of tissue becomes necrotic, threatening the functioning of the body's vital organs. Emergency treatment for this horrific and life-threatening infection is in the form of emergency surgical removal of all affected (and infected) tissue. This can leave the patient suffering from permanent disability, at risk of limb amputation or bowel dysfunction.
A patient who is being treated for necrotising fasciitis is likely to require an extended period of life-support in intensive care and recovery, where this occurs, will be a protracted affair.
Medical negligence and necrotising fasciitis
Medical negligence may be demonstrated in either a delay in diagnosis or a delay in emergency treatment, or possibly both.
Any signs and symptoms which might suggest a possible diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis require immediate medical attention. A prescription for antibiotics will not be sufficient to halt this disease in its tracks. Without surgery, the infection will continue to develop and the patient's chances of survival will diminish.
Signs of infection such as a high temperature or rapid breathing alongside symptoms of pain, redness and swelling, especially in the region of a wound, surgical incision or abscess, should prompt concerns about necrotising fasciitis and warrant a referral for specialist attention.
A delay in diagnosis will lead to a delay in treatment and could prove fatal.
Claiming compensation
If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling impact and disability caused by necrotising fasciitis, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
If medical delays in diagnosis and treatment led to your poor long-term outcome, a successful compensation claim can help to combat some of the problems you may face such as loss of income and the need for personal care.
If a loved one has died due to negligent medical care of necrotising fasciitis, ti be still be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to Glynns
Here at Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence compensation, we have supported numerous clients in claims for substandard treatment of this shocking illness.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor about your experience and the suitability 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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