If necrotising fasciitis is not treated in time, the limb may become so necrotic that it must be removed. If you have had an amputation because of necrotising fasciitis, it is possible that you have been the victim of medical negligence. Contact a solicitor to find out more.
Loss of limb after necrotising fasciitis
Necrotising fasciitis is a medical emergency. This means that it must be treated without delay, or the consequences will be serious. This is because necrotising fasciitis is an aggressive bacterial infection that causes the tissue to break down and die. Tissue necrosis, as it is medically called, can occur within hours of the bacteria entering the body.
If left untreated, the bacteria will reproduce and spread, create an ever growing area of infection. More and more tissue will become necrotic, leaving a large gaping wound in its place.
If the bacteria initially infect an arm or a leg, it is possible that they will spread across the limb, damaging a significant amount of tissue. Without timely treatment, the damage may be so extensive that the limb simply cannot be saved. Indeed, once the tissue becomes necrotic it cannot be restored, so amputation may be the only option.
What action can I take?
Having a limb amputated is of course incredibly upsetting. Things that were once taken for granted suddenly become extremely difficult, including walking, getting dressed and driving.
While nothing can undo the amount of physical and emotional pain you will have endured since the amputation, there may be action you can take, as you may be entitled to pursue a medical negligence claim.
Necrotising fasciitis will only result in an amputation if the disease is not treated, thereby allowing the bacteria to spread across the limb. If necrotising fasciitis is left untreated because of medical error, the amputation will be the fault of medical practitioners.
If medical practitioners have the opportunity to treat your necrotising fasciitis earlier, and this would have prevented an amputation, you will be able to make a claim against those responsible.
Necrotising fasciitis claims
To find out if you can claim for a necrotising fasciitis amputation, please get in touch with us today. We specialise in necrotising fasciitis claims and will be able to suggest what options are available to you.
If you are eligible to claim compensation, we will handle the claims process on your behalf, working to get the financial redress you deserve.
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