If you or your loved one has developed necrotising fasciitis as a result of a pressure sore, you need to speak to a solicitor today, as there may be a case of medical negligence.
How does a pressure sore lead to necrotising fasciitis?
Necrotising fasciitis is a rare bacterial infection that causes rapid tissue death. It occurs when a certain type of bacteria – usually the Group A Streptococci – enter the body. The bacteria can enter the body through any break in the skin. This can be as small as a paper cut, and sometimes the infected individual will not even realise the skin has suffered some form of trauma. In some cases, the bacteria will enter the body via a pressure sore.
Pressure sores happen when the tissue is placed under sustained pressure, restricting the flow of blood. Because blood carries oxygen, the surrounding tissue will soon become deficient in oxygen (ischaemic) and will begin to break down. Eventually this will lead to an open wound known as a pressure sore. If the necrotising fasciitis bacteria do enter the body via a pressure sore, they will begin to multiply, releasing a poisonous toxin that damages the tissue.
The bacteria reproduce incredibly quickly, so within a matter of hours the site of infection will begin to grow. As the tissue becomes increasingly damaged, it will become necrotic – which means that it dies. This will leave a large open wound that increases in size the longer the infection continues. This will make the patient extremely unwell, and if he/she is already fragile, it may prove to be fatal.
Does this amount to medical negligence?
Pressure sores are considered to be never events, meaning that a patient should not develop a pressure sore while in a healthcare environment. If this leads to necrotising fasciitis, it is very likely that there will be a case of medical negligence.
This is because a pressure sore is a preventable patient safety incident and so should not happen in the first place. If this results in a severe infection, the patient will have faced considerable pain and suffering because of medical neglect. He or she therefore deserves to be compensated for the injuries wrongfully sustained. This is especially true if medical professionals failed to diagnose and treat the infection in a timely fashion, causing further injury.
Necrotising fasciitis solicitors
If you or your family member has developed necrotising fasciitis from a pressure sore, get in touch with us today. We will be able to provide you with expert legal advice, explaining whether or not you could be entitled to pursue a claim.
Free, No Obligation Enquiry
Call us now on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Free Online Enquiry.
