Negligent Infection Care and When to Claim Compensation
Infection care negligence in whatever medical setting can produce a catastrophic outcome for the patient and their family. Contact Glynns Solicitors to discuss the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Necrotising fasciitis as a medical emergency
If an individual presents at Accident and Emergency or at the GP surgery with the possible signs and symptoms of a soft-tissue infection, it is essential that a diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis is ruled out.
This deadly infection is fast-moving through the body and causes savage decay, ultimately threatening the organs and life of the patient.
A patient in hospital may also be susceptible to this appalling infection, especially if they have undergone a surgical procedure which can offer a portal of entry to the causative bacteria.
Whatever the location, suspecting, diagnosing and treating necrotising fasciitis at the earliest possible moment is the key to the best patient outcome.
Signs and symptoms of a soft-tissue infection
Possible signs that a patient may be developing necrotising fasciitis are likely to include the following:
- Intense pain in the region of a cut or surgical incision or abscess
- Swelling and tenderness in the same region
- Discolouration of the skin
- Other possible signs such as a high temperature and rapid breathing
Any suspicion that the patient may be developing a severe soft-tissue infection should prompt a referral for specialist investigation. A necrotising fasciitis infection may not be confirmed without surgical investigation.
A delay in suspecting this appalling infection, a misdiagnosis of symptoms or a delay in making a referral can allow time for the infection to spread through the body's connective tissue, causing increasing damage, necessitating greater tissue debridement and putting the patient's life at a greater risk.
When to claim compensation
Even short delays in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of this destructive infection can cause the patient to suffer a worse and possibly life-changing outcome. Often commencing in the abdomen, perineal region or legs, this appalling illness can result in an amputation or loss of bowel function, as well as the removal of extensive areas of tissue.
If medical practitioners have been the cause of a delay which has adversely affected the patient's outcome, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Be aware that these claims are associated with a three-year deadline and require a thorough assessment of the patient's medical care and experience before they can be issued with a court.
Don't delay if you think you may be in a position to make a claim.
Contact a specialist solicitor at the earliest possible moment.
Glynns Solicitors
Glynns is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in necrotising fasciitis claims.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
We can offer No Win No Fee funding for medical negligence claims 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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