Tissue Infection Negligence and Compensation for Necrotising Fasciitis
A soft-tissue infection may be necrotising fasciitis or, in the genital area, fournier's gangrene, and a failure to suspect this puts the patient in a life-threatening situation.
Necrotising fasciitis diagnosis
A failure to examine, diagnose and refer a patient with a soft-tissue infection may justify a claim for compensation. Necrotising fasciitis is a virulent infection which can course through the patient's body, ultimately threatening the integrity of the limbs, the health of the organs and the life of the patient. If this appalling illness is not diagnosed at the earliest possible moment, the outcome for the patient may not be good. Every delay allows the infection to spread and leaves the patient suffering significant tissue loss and associated difficulties.
Symptoms which might suggest a soft tissue infection and a diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis could include the following:
- Intense pain in the region of a cut or incision to the skin. This may be the site of a surgical incision or an accidental wound caused by one of many possible incidents
- Redness or discolouration of the skin
- Tenderness and swelling of the skin
The patient may also be showing other signs of infection such as a high temperature or breathlessness or chills.
If a medical professional who is faced with these symptoms is unsure of their cause, it should be essential to seek a second opinion or make a referral for specialist investigation.
A failure to do so, leaving the patient susceptible to severe infection may be regarded as negligent.
How to make a claim
You should be entitled to make a claim for compensation if it is found that there has been a breach of duty in the course of your medical care which has caused you to suffer a worse outcome than would have been the case with an appropriate level of care.
Failing to examine a patient, making a misdiagnosis or failing to refer a patient for further tests may be regarded as negligent.
A successful compensation claim would address the symptoms and difficulties experienced by the patient insofar as they have been caused by the negligence.
For example, if the patient is unable to wok or is restricted in the hours of work which they can manage due to fatigue, ill-health, limb loss, their claim would incorporate their loss of earnings.
If the impact of the negligence has left the patient reliant on care, the associated costs would be included in their claim.
Speak to a legal specialist
For the best advice and support, it is essential to talk to a solicitor who specialises in medical negligence law. This is crucial as it will ensure the adherence to the strict deadlines and guidelines associated with this complex area of the law.
Glynns Solicitors 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 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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