Delayed Diagnosis of Necrotizing Fasciitis
When a patient has suffered an injury, the wound can become infected. In some cases, this infection may be extremely dangerous. This is true of necrotizing fasciitis. Although rare, these infections can quickly destroy tissue around the site of the infection. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is absolutely necessary in fighting this infection. Any hesitation can lead to amputation or the removal of the infected tissue.
Curing a dangerous infection such as necrotizing fasciitis requires a doctor to provide immediate diagnosis as well as prompt and proper treatment. If a physician has failed to prevent the spread of the bacteria, contact the New Jersey medical malpractice attorneys of Levinson Axelrod, P.A., by calling 800-346-5529 for more information regarding your legal options.
Signs of Necrotizing Fasciitis
A physician treating a patient with an open wound needs to be especially careful. If an infection is left untreated, these patients can quickly deteriorate. Necrotizing fasciitis moves very fast, decaying massive sections of skin tissue within days. Without a proper diagnosis and course of treatment, the patient may fall into sepsis, which can prove fatal. The following symptoms are commonly attributed to this infection:
- Blisters
- Skin discoloration
- Skin that feels hot to the touch
- Large areas of dead skin tissue
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Severe pain around the area of infection
If these signs are present, a doctor needs to work quickly to formulate a proper diagnosis so treatment can begin. Failure to do so can significantly decrease the patient’s chances of recovering without an amputation.
Contact Us
If you have suffered because of a doctor’s late or incorrect diagnosis, there may be a course of legal action available and you may be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills and other damages. To learn more about your rights and options in this difficult situation, contact the New Jersey medical malpractice lawyers of Levinson Axelrod, P.A., at 800-346-5529 today.

