If you have lost a limb because medical professionals failed to diagnose and treat necrotising fasciitis, you could be entitled to pursue a medical negligence compensation claim.
Tissue necrosis
If necrotising fasciitis is left untreated, the infection will continue to spread until a large area of tissue is dead – or in medical terms, becomes ‘necrotic’.
This is because necrotising fasciitis is caused by a certain type of bacteria that get into the body’s soft tissues, usually through a break in the skin. The bacteria then reproduce very rapidly, during which they release a toxin into the body.
This toxin causes the surrounding tissue to break down, impairing the supply of blood and oxygen. The oxygen deficiency will cause the tissue to break down even further, and within days the tissue will be so damaged that it becomes necrotic.
Necrotising fasciitis amputations
Once the tissue becomes necrotic it cannot be restored. Instead it must be surgically removed, an operation known as debridement surgery. The patient must then undergo treatment to close the wound.
However, if the necrosis develops in an arm or leg, the amount of dead tissue may be so extensive that the entire limb must be removed. Sadly necrotising fasciitis amputations are not uncommon, and by and large they could all have been prevented with earlier treatment.
Delayed treatment of necrotising fasciitis
Treatment for necrotising fasciitis may be delayed for one of two reasons. Either the patient does not seek medical assistance in time, or doctors fail to manage the condition appropriately. For example, there may be a failure on the part of medical practitioners to make a timely diagnosis, appreciate the urgency with which treatment is needed, or provide surgical debridement.
If medical error does result in extensive necrosis, ultimately leading to an amputation, it is very likely that there will be grounds for a medical negligence compensation claim.
Claiming for a loss of limb
Losing a limb due to medical negligence will of course be extremely traumatic. Your entire life will be turned upside down, while it may also impact upon your ability to work. This can result in serious emotional and financial injury.
If you have undergone an amputation because of necrotising fasciitis, you could be entitled to compensation for the injuries you have incurred. To find out more, please do not hesitate to contact us today. We specialise in necrotising fasciitis claims and will be able to provide professional advice.
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