Necrotising Fasciitis Compensation for Care Failures
Necrotising fasciitis has recently been in the news. This
appalling soft-tissue infection is so shocking in its impact that an
encounter with this life-threatening illness often reaches the
media.
The key message is that this infection is a medical emergency.
Responding to a necrotising fasciitis infection
Timing is of the essence in every aspect of early care of a necrotising fasciitis infection:
- The earliest possible diagnosis is crucial and a suspicion of this virulent infection should merit an immediate referral for specialist intervention
- An emergency referral is crucial to limiting the spread of the infection
- Prompt surgical intervention to remove all infected tissue is essential to prevent the patient’s deterioration and possible death
- Prompt introduction of antibiotics is an essential aspect of management of the patient’s condition
Such is the speed with which necrotising fasciitis spreads through the body that even a small delay can allow the patient’s condition to deteriorate and can even mean the difference between survival and loss of life.
A delay in medical care can leave the patient with a distinctly worse outcome than might otherwise have been achieved.
Negligent medical care
Examples of how negligent medical care might compromise the patient’s long-term outcome could include the following:
- A failure to examine the patient
- A failure of appropriate treatment of an abscess
- A failure to diagnose or suspect a deep soft-tissue infection
- A delay in referring the patient for specialist assessment and intervention
- A delay in commencing surgical debridement to remove all infected tissue
A negligent delay can leave a patient with life-changing symptoms including loss of a limb, scarring, deformity and disability including a compromised bowel function and long-term reduction in well-being.
Claiming compensation
Recovering from a necrotising fasciitis infection can be a very lengthy process and the patient may be left with debilitating and permanent symptoms.
Where this situation has been contributed to by negligent medical care, it may be possible to claim for compensation for the financial impact. This could include a loss of earnings where the patient’s on-going symptoms have reduced their ability to work.
It can also include the costs of care and treatment and equipment necessary to manage the symptoms insofar as they have been caused by medical negligence.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive experience in necrotising fasciitis claims.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about your situation and the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
We can offer No Win No Fee medical negligence funding which we will discuss with you during your free initial telephone discussion.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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Why Choose Glynns?
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial claim assessment
- No Win No Fee funding may be available
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