A man has settled his medical negligence claim after delays in recognising a serious infection led to significant and permanent injuries, including a below-knee amputation.
Timeline of events
In spring 2020, Michael contacted his GP with severe perineal pain and urinary symptoms. Over the following weeks, he remained in regular contact with primary care services as his condition continued to worsen.
As access to face-to-face appointments was limited at the time due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Michael was treated remotely, initially for a suspected infection with antibiotics. However, his symptoms did not improve. Instead, his pain became increasingly severe and there were signs of a more serious underlying condition developing.
Despite ongoing contact with his GP, the seriousness of Michael’s condition was not recognised early enough, and he was not advised to attend A&E or referred for urgent hospital assessment.
By the time Michael was admitted to hospital, he was critically unwell. He was diagnosed with a rapidly progressing necrotising soft tissue infection affecting the perineal region. Emergency surgery was carried out to remove extensive infected tissue, and he required intensive care treatment for sepsis and organ support.
Although life-saving treatment was provided, the infection already caused significant and irreversible damage. Michael underwent further surgery, including formation of a stoma, and later developed complications affecting the blood supply to his lower limb. This resulted in a below-knee amputation.
Michael required a prolonged hospital stay followed by extensive rehabilitation and continues to live with the lasting physical and emotional impact of his injuries.
How we helped Michael’s medical negligence claim
Following a detailed review of his medical records and independent expert evidence, concerns were raised about the recognition of the worsening nature of Michael’s condition and the timing of escalation to hospital care.
Expert evidence supported that earlier referral would, more likely than not, have led to diagnosis and treatment at a stage where the infection remained localised. This would likely have prevented its progression to necrotising disease and avoided the serious complications that followed, including the need for amputation.
The matter proceeded to litigation but was resolved by agreement before a fully pleaded defence, avoiding the need for further contested proceedings. The settlement reflects both the impact of Michael’s injuries and the ongoing effect they continue to have on his daily life.
A note from Ikhira Thandi
“This was a serious case involving a rapidly progressing infection that led to permanent and life-altering injuries. The failure to recognise the severity of Michael’s condition and escalate his care sooner meant he did not receive the treatment he needed at a critical stage. We were able to support Michael through this process and secure a settlement that reflects the impact of what happened to him.”
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