$2,500,000 Necrotizing Fasciitis Misdiagnosis Settlement in Spokane
In September 2021, a man in his 40s visited a Spokane, Washington emergency room with a serious hand injury, expecting a routine evaluation and treatment. Tragically, what followed was a nightmare scenario. Despite clear signs of a severe infection – including excruciating pain far beyond a typical hand injury and rapidly worsening swelling – the ER staff failed to recognize the danger. This oversight allowed a fast-moving “flesh-eating” bacterial infection to spread through the man’s hand unchecked, resulting in catastrophic damage.
The case ultimately concluded with a $2,500,000 necrotizing fasciitis misdiagnosis settlement, a hard-fought outcome that underscores the grave consequences of medical negligence and the urgent need for accountability in such cases.
A Spokane ER Visit Overlooks Clear Warning Signs
The ordeal began when the Spokane man sought treatment for an injured hand at his local ER. From the moment he arrived, there were red flags that something was terribly wrong. He was in severe pain – far worse than one would expect from the apparent injury – and his hand was becoming increasingly swollen and discolored. He also spiked a high fever shortly after arrival, indicating his body was fighting a serious infection. Yet the attending emergency physician did not act with the urgency those symptoms warranted. Key warning signs like the intense pain and fever were downplayed or attributed to a minor issue. Instead of receiving an immediate surgical evaluation or aggressive treatment, the patient was sent home with routine instructions as if his condition were harmless.
Over the next day, his condition deteriorated rapidly. The infection in his hand spread quickly up his arm, and his pain became unbearable. By the time he rushed back to the hospital, he was in critical condition. What had started as a treatable injury had evolved into a life-threatening emergency due to the initial misdiagnosis. Precious time was lost during that first ER visit – time in which proper intervention could have halted the infection’s advance.
Delayed Diagnosis of a “Flesh-Eating” Infection
When doctors finally reevaluated the man, they discovered the frightening truth: he was suffering from necrotizing fasciitis, a rare but life-threatening bacterial infection often referred to as “flesh-eating disease.” Necrotizing fasciitis can progress with terrifying speed, turning a relatively small wound into a dire situation within hours. In this case, the correct diagnosis came tragically late. By the time the medical team realized what was happening, the aggressive infection had already destroyed tissue in the man’s hand and begun to threaten his arm and overall health. Even with emergency surgery and powerful IV antibiotics now underway, the delay meant the doctors had to remove large portions of infected tissue to save his life. He did survive the ordeal, but not before the infection permanently damaged his hand.
The aftermath was devastating. The man endured multiple surgeries and a prolonged stay in the intensive care unit as specialists fought to control the infection and stabilize him. He was literally in a fight for his life, all stemming from an initially misdiagnosed “flesh-eating” infection. Thankfully, he pulled through – but he emerged with life-altering injuries, including the loss of significant hand function. This nightmare scenario illustrates how quickly a patient’s condition can spiral out of control when a serious infection is not identified in time.
A Legal Investigation Exposes Negligence
Once the immediate danger had passed, the question remained: How did the hospital staff miss such obvious signs of a deadly infection? Desperate for answers and accountability, the man turned to our firm for help. The Davis Adams legal team, experienced in necrotizing fasciitis lawsuits, immediately launched a thorough legal investigation into his care. They obtained the emergency room records, lab results, and timelines from his initial visit, and also brought in leading medical experts to review the case.
The investigation uncovered several clear breaches of the standard of care that contributed to this tragedy. Among the findings were:
- Failure to recognize critical symptoms: The ER physician ignored or minimized the man’s abnormally high fever and complaints of extreme pain – classic red flags of a severe infection.
- Misdiagnosis of the injury: Despite evidence of a deep infection, the patient was misdiagnosed with a minor hand ailment and discharged without proper tests or imaging to rule out necrotizing fasciitis.
- Delay in essential treatment: No immediate surgical consult or broad-spectrum antibiotics were administered during the initial ER visit, allowing the infection to advance unchecked for precious hours.
Independent experts in emergency medicine and infectious disease were alarmed by these lapses. They concluded that any reasonably careful doctor should have recognized the possibility of a necrotizing soft tissue infection given the patient’s symptoms. Had the hospital team responded appropriately – by acknowledging the red flags, ordering urgent diagnostic tests, and starting treatment right away – the worst of the damage likely could have been prevented. In short, the man’s suffering and permanent injuries were not just bad luck; they were the result of substandard medical care.
A Settlement Provides Justice and Accountability
Confronted with the evidence assembled by our attorneys, the hospital and physicians ultimately accepted responsibility for their failures. Before the case could go to trial, the parties agreed to a $2,500,000 settlement to compensate the victim. This settlement represents a measure of justice and accountability for a preventable medical error that upended the man’s life. While no amount of money can undo the physical and emotional trauma he endured, the compensation is critical in practical ways. It ensures he can afford the ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and support services he will need as he adapts to life with a damaged hand and the after-effects of his illness.
This outcome was a hard-fought victory for the patient and his family, providing them with financial security after an unimaginable ordeal. It also stands as one of the notable medical malpractice case results achieved by our firm on behalf of those harmed by negligence. Beyond helping this client rebuild his life, the hope is that such a result sends a clear message to healthcare providers about the critical importance of timely diagnosis and diligent care. Even one missed warning sign can change a patient’s life forever – which is why accountability in cases like this is so important.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a misdiagnosis or delayed treatment of a serious infection or other medical condition, please know that you are not alone. An experience like this man’s ordeal is devastating and can leave you feeling powerless. The team at Davis Adams is here to listen and help. We understand the complexities of medical malpractice cases and are committed to supporting patients and families affected by negligence. Contact us for a compassionate, free case evaluation – we’ll answer your questions and fight to seek the accountability and justice you deserve.
