Necrotising fasciitis can devastate a person’s life. If medical professionals failed to diagnose or treat the condition in a timely manner, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
The impact of necrotising fasciitis
Necrotising fasciitis claims tend to be the result of a failure to diagnose or treat the condition promptly enough to save the life of the patient or, at least, to minimise the degree of damage caused by this appalling condition.
A delay in treating necrotising fasciitis can, even when the patient survives, cause significant injury to the affected area, scarring, loss of fingers and limbs as well as organ dysfunction and psychological damage.
Anyone suffering with necrotising fasciitis is likely to require an extended period in intensive care on life support and have to undergo several invasive surgical procedures in order to remove the infection.
Diagnosing necrotising fasciitis
Where an individual visits their GP with possible early symptoms of necrotising fasciitis, it is imperative that they are referred for further tests immediately.
If they are suspected of developing the condition, they are likely to require intravenous antibiotics and surgery without delay.
A failure to recognise early symptoms such as a cut to the skin with intense localised pain and tenderness, accompanied by flu-like symptoms of high temperature and fast breathing may be considered to have been negligent.
If the associated delay in treatment leads to the patient achieving a significantly worse outcome, then it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Developing necrotising fasciitis in hospital
Patients in hospital may well be more susceptible to developing necrotising fasciitis for number of reasons:
- They may well have a weakened immune system and be more vulnerable to infection
- They may be undergoing a surgical procedure which necessitate a cut to the skin, allowing bacteria to enter the body
- They may be in hospital for a long time and develop a pressure sore which can lead to necrotising fasciitis
Monitoring patients in hospital
Where patients who might be particularly susceptible to the infection, such as those mentioned above, begin to develop symptoms, medical practitioners should have a high suspicion of necrotising fasciitis.
If symptoms are not recognised or practices intended to prevent infection are not maintained, the relevant medical professionals may be considered to have provided a substandard level of care.
Speak to a solicitor
Contact us if you or a loved one have suffered the shocking effects of necrotising fasciitis due to a delay in diagnosis.
We have supported numerous claims for necrotising fasciitis and one of our specialist medical negligence solicitors would be happy to advise you.
Free, No Obligation Enquiry
We are here to help you, so please do call us now on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Free Online Enquiry.