A delay in referring a patient with symptoms of necrotising fasciitis can prove fatal. At best, the long-term impact is likely to be severely debilitating and may warrant a claim for compensation.
The urgency of necrotising fasciitis
Necrotising fasciitis is a medical emergency. If a patient attends their GP with symptoms which might indicate that they are developing this appalling condition, an urgent referral is vital.
The speed with which this devastating condition can spread through the body necessitates emergency treatment if the patient is to survive.
A failure to refer a patient who subsequently suffers the destructive effects of necrotising fasciitis could be regarded as medical negligence and may justify a claim for compensation.
Failure to refer for necrotising fasciitis
Necrotising fasciitis is a swift-moving infection that destroys the body’s tissue as it spreads through the body.
It requires emergency intravenous antibiotics and surgical debridement of all infected tissue in order to remove the infection and prevent further damage.
A failure to refer a patient with the symptoms of necrotising fasciitis is likely to lead to a need for greater debridement – and thus more extensive scarring and tissue loss – and possible amputation of limbs.
Delayed treatment can also lead to the death of the patient as the body’s major organs suffer and cease to function.
Symptoms of necrotising fasciitis
Although necrotising fasciitis can result from perforation of an internal organ, such as bowel perforation due to diverticulitis, the bacteria which cause the condition usually enter the body through a cut to the skin.
In these circumstances, the first signs of necrotising fasciitis usually include the following:
- A cut or wound to the skin ( a graze, a surgical incision, an injection site)
- Intense pain in the area of the wound
- Redness and swelling in the region of the wound
- Tenderness around the wound
Where these symptoms coincide with symptoms of infection such as a high temperature, it might be appropriate for a medical professional to consider that the patient may be developing necrotising fasciitis.
Medical negligence
If a patient’s symptoms are misdiagnosed, leading to a poor long-term outcome, it may be desirable to make a claim for compensation.
The effects of necrotising fasciitis can significantly affects the person’s ability to work and function independently. Compensation can help to deal with these effects.
Contact us to discuss your experience with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
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