Timing in Necrotising Fasciitis Negligence and Compensation Claims
Timing is crucial at every stage of medical intervention in necrotising fasciitis and can mean the difference between life and death for the patient. Negligent delays may justify a claim for compensation.
Timing of diagnosis
Necrotising fasciitis is a medical emergency and a delay in diagnosis can prove fatal.
A failure to examine, a misdiagnosis or a delay in referring the patient for further investigation will allow the bacteria which causes the infection to spread through the patient's body.
With each day that passes without a diagnosis, the patient is likely to suffer a worse long-term outcome, requiring more extensive surgery and experiencing a greater degree of deformity and disability.
Timing of treatment
If a diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis is suspected, surgical treatment is likely to be necessary immediately. This treatment requires the surgical removal of all infected tissue (debridement).
A necrotising fasciitis infection can spread through the body's connective tissue at an alarming rate and any delay means that more debridement will be necessary. The long-term impact of this can be severe disability. Necrotising fasciitis often commences in the limbs and it can sometimes be necessary to amputate part or all of a limb, either upper or lower, in order to halt the infection.
A delay in commencing surgical treatment for this appalling infection may leave the patient disabled and may be regarded as negligent.
Timing of a compensation claim
Finally, the timing of the compensation claim itself is crucial.
The law requires that compensation claims for medical negligence are initiated within three years of the date of the alleged negligence.
Although there are occasional circumstances where this does not apply, three years is the norm and, if you think you have a claim, it is advisable to contact a specialist solicitor as soon as possible to ensure that investigations into your claim begin as soon as possible.
Contact the specialists
Compensation claims for necrotising fasciitis negligence are extremely complex and require the skills of a solicitor who specialises in medical negligence law.
If you believe that you or a loved one may have a claim, contact us here at Glynns Solicitors to talk to an expert in medical negligence compensation, free of charge.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
