If your necrotising fasciitis was not diagnosed in a timely fashion, there may be grounds for a medical negligence compensation claim. Contact a solicitor to find out more.
Diagnosing necrotising fasciitis
Necrotising fasciitis is a rare condition. Even so, it should be possible for medical practitioners to reach a diagnosis using their medical knowledge and expertise. Indeed, necrotising fasciitis carries all the hallmarks of a severe bacterial infection, including a fever, pain at the site of infection, and skin that is red and hot to touch. The presence of an infection can be confirmed with a blood test which will show a raised white blood cell count.
In order to verify the type of infection present, swabs can be sent to a laboratory for testing. This will confirm the presence of necrotising fasciitis, if a diagnosis has not already been made by medical professionals. A patient should not be discharged until he/she has been tested for an infection.
Delayed diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis
Sadly there are times when someone will seek help for necrotising fasciitis, but their symptoms are wrongly interpreted by medical professionals. Consequently they are discharged with a misdiagnosis. Often this happens because medical professionals are not aware of necrotising fasciitis, or do not carry out the correct diagnostic tests.
We have dealt with cases in which patients return to their GP or nearest A&E department repeatedly, only to be sent home without the care they desperately need. This can have devastating consequences as necrotising fasciitis must be treated as a matter of urgency if serious complications are to be avoided. This is because the bacteria will multiply and spread, creating an area of necrotic tissue that will quickly grow. This will create a large open wound and, if the bacteria spread to the blood, septic shock and organ failure.
Necrotising fasciitis not diagnosed
If you repeatedly sought medical assistance for necrotising fasciitis but each time faced a misdiagnosis, you may be considered the victim of medical negligence. This is because the delay in diagnosis could be deemed unacceptable. If this has caused you unnecessary injury, you will have been wrongfully harmed by negligent medical care.
To find out if you can claim for necrotising fasciitis, you need to speak to a solicitor today. If you are advised that you have been subject to medical negligence, you will be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation. Contact us today to find out more.
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