If your spouse or family member has died after a pressure sore became infected with necrotising fasciitis, please do not hesitate to contact us today. There may have been a case of medical negligence.
We will be able to tell you what your options are, including whether you are able to pursue a claim on behalf of your loved one’s estate. We provide this expert legal advice completely free of charge and free of obligation.
Infected pressure sore
Pressure sores are highly vulnerable to infection. Ordinarily the skin acts as a natural barrier against bacteria. But if the skin is compromised due to an open wound, as it will be with a pressure sore, bacteria will have an easy opportunity to enter the body.
There are many different types of bacteria and not all will lead to necrotising fasciitis. However, some bacteria such as E. coli and Group A Streptococcus can result in necrotising fasciitis, should they manage to get inside the body.
Necrotising fasciitis is a severe “flesh-eating” infection. The bacteria do not actually ‘eat’ the flesh. Rather, they release a toxin that causes the tissue to break down and die. It is a fast-moving infection that can kill a large area of tissue within hours or day.
Death from infected pressure sore
Necrotising fasciitis will begin in the body’s deep tissues. The deep tissue is laced with blood vessels, meaning the bacteria can easily reach the blood vessels and get into the bloodstream.
When a bacterial infection reaches the bloodstream it is called septicaemia or sepsis. It will see the bacteria travel around the body in the blood, leading to clotting, inflammation and dangerously low blood pressure.
When the blood pressure drops for a prolonged period, the organs will not get enough oxygen to function. The organs will subsequently begin to shut down, which can in turn cause a patient death.
Is an infected pressure sore negligent?
An infected pressure sore is a very serious matter and there may well be a case of medical negligence. A solicitor who specialises in medical negligence will be able to tell you whether there are grounds for a claim.
For example, you may be able to make a claim if your loved one’s pressure sore became infected with necrotising fasciitis, but the problem was not detected and treated in time, contributing towards their death.
Whatever the circumstances of your loved one’s care, please contact us today. We will tell you if you can claim. This advice comes free of charge and free of obligation.
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