Necrotising Fasciitis
Necrotising Fasciitis Referral Delay and Compensation for Medical Negligence

Necrotising Fasciitis Referral Delay and Compensation for Medical Negligence

A delay in referring a patient for further investigation for possible necrotising fasciitis can produce fatal results.

The need for prompt referral for necrotising fasciitis

The symptoms of necrotising fasciitis do not always produce a clear diagnosis. They may be interpreted to represent an alternative diagnosis such as deep vein thrombosis or cellulitis.

However, necrotising fasciitis is a medical emergency and a delay in making a referral for further investigation may cause the patient to suffer appalling long-term symptoms. It may even mean that the patient dies as result of this terrible infection.

Surgical investigation may often be needed as part of the diagnosis process and a failure to arrange this may delay both diagnosis and treatment and justify a claim for compensation.

The impact of necrotising fasciitis, even in patients who survive, can be damaging and life-changing and cause significant financial losses.

Symptoms of necrotising fasciitis

Necrotising fasciitis is associated with the invasion of bacteria below the skin which affects the deep, soft tissue. The bacteria may enter the body through a cut to the skin which could be the result of an accident, a surgical incision or even the site of an injection.

Symptoms associated with this swift-acting infection include the following:

  • Intense pain in the region of a cut or wound to the skin
  • Swelling and tenderness in the same area
  • Redness or discolouration in the same region
  • The patient may also be suffering symptoms of infection such as a high temperature, chills or breathlessness

A failure by medical professionals to recognise the possible significance of these symptoms, a failure to make a referral for immediate further investigation and a subsequent delay in diagnosis and treatment may be regarded as negligent.

The impact of delays in diagnosis and treatment

A necrotising fasciitis infection can leave a patient severely disabled, even necessitating a partial or full amputation of a limb.

If the patient suffers an infection in the abdominal region or their perineal and perianal regions around the genitals and anus, their bowel function may be compromised, causing distressing and debilitating symptoms.

If the quality of care provided by medical professionals has contributed to such a poor outcome, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation for the financial losses experienced by the patient.

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Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice. Contact us today to talk to an experienced, specialist lawyer if you believe that you or a loved one have been the victim of medical negligence.

Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.

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