Necrotizing Fasciitis Lawsuit Experts

WHY IS NECROTIZING FASCIITIS SO DEADLY?

Necrotizing soft tissue infection is a rare but very severe type of bacterial infection that can destroy the muscles, skin and underlying tissue. Many different types of bacteria can cause this type of infection, including Streptococcus pyogenes, a severe and usually deadly form of necrotizing soft tissue infection sometimes called “flesh-eating bacteria.”

Cases in which the precipitating event is known are classified as secondary necrotizing fasciitis. Bacterial invasion may result from blunt trauma with a contusion, abrasions, penetrating injury (e.g., laceration, intravenous drug abuse, and surgical procedures), childbirth or burns, i.e., anything that causes a break in the skin.

Idiopathic necrotizing fasciitis, however, occurs in the absence of a known or identifiable etiologic factor, which may make the diagnosis more challenging. The most recent necrotizing fasciitis case handled by Davis Adams, which was resolved favorably for our client, involved idiopathic necrotizing fasciitis.

When necrotizing fasciitis sets in, the bacteria begin to grow and release harmful substances (toxins) that:

• directly kill tissue;
• interfere with the blood flow to the tissue; and
• break down materials in the tissue, which rapidly spreads the bacteria, leading to widespread effects such as shock.

This progressive, rapidly spreading, inflammatory infection located in the deep fascia can be difficult to recognize in the early stages if the treating physician is not exercising proper diligence in evaluating the patient’s symptoms. Once the disease begins to progress, necrotizing fasciitis requires aggressive surgical treatment, often leading to amputation and sometimes death. 

If you or a loved one suffered from this type of infection, we can help you file a necrotizing fasciitis lawsuit. Let Davis Adams fight for you and your family and help you get the compensation you deserve.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF NECROTIZING FASCIITIS?

The symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis change depending on the stage of the infection. If you think you might be experiencing this condition, do not hesitate to seek medical help. 

Early Symptoms (Usually within 24 Hours):

• usually, a minor trauma wound or other skin opening has occurred (the wound does not necessarily appear infected);
• some pain in the general area of the injury is present, but not necessarily at the site of the injury but in the same region or limb of the body;
• the pain is usually disproportionate to the injury and may start as something akin to a muscle pull, but becomes more and more painful;
• flu-like symptoms begin to occur, such as diarrhea, nausea, fever, confusion, dizziness, weakness and general malaise; and
• dehydration.

The biggest symptom is all of these symptoms combined. In general, you will probably feel worse than you have ever felt and not understand why.

Advanced Symptoms (Usually within 3–4 Days):

• the limb or area of the body experiencing pain begins to swell, and may show a purplish rash;
• the limb may begin to have large, dark marks, that will become blisters filled with blackish fluid; and
• the wound may actually begin to appear necrotic with a bluish, white or dark, mottled, flaky appearance.

Critical Symptoms (Usually within 4–5 Days):

• blood pressure will drop severely;
• the body begins to go into septic shock from the toxins the bacteria are giving off; and
• unconsciousness will occur as the body becomes too weak to fight off this infection.

How the skin and tissue look can help the doctor diagnose a necrotizing soft tissue infection. Often, a patient will be diagnosed in the operating room by a surgeon. Imaging tests, such as CT scans, are sometimes helpful, as are tests performed on blood, fluids or tissue from the infected area.

Powerful, broad-spectrum antibiotics must be given immediately through a vein (IV). If the IV is inserted near a wound or area of weakened skin, you may be at the additional risk of an IV infiltration. Surgery is required to open and drain infected areas and remove dead tissue. 

Sometimes donor immunoglobulins (antibodies) are given by vein to help fight the infection. Skin grafts may be needed after the infection goes away. If an arm or leg infection cannot be controlled, amputation of the limb may be considered.

If the bacteria is determined to be an oxygen-avoiding organism (anaerobe), the patient may receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This involves placing the patient in a chamber that delivers 100% oxygen at high pressure.

A patient’s prognosis following a necrotizing fasciitis diagnosis depends on a number of factors, including:

• how fast the diagnosis was obtained;
• the type of bacteria causing the infection;
• how quickly the infection spreads; and
• how well the antibiotics work.

Scarring and deformity are common with this type of disease. The death rate is high, even with aggressive treatment and powerful antibiotics. Untreated, the infection spreads and causes death. 

If a loved one sought medical treatment for this infection but was not diagnosed in time, you may have a case to file a necrotizing fasciitis lawsuit. At Davis Adams, our attorneys can listen to your story and advise you of your options.