Cases of Necrotizing Fasciitis Can Lead to Medical Malpractice Litigation

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare disease caused by different kinds of bacteria, usually in the Streptococcus or Staphylococcus family. Most bacteria in this group cause non-life-threatening illnesses such as strep throat. However, necrotizing fasciitis is a serious infection that destroys skin and muscle tissue, and can lead to amputations, complicated surgery, and sometimes, death.

The disease has two types: idiopathic and secondary necrotizing fasciitis. Idiopathic NF occurs when there is no known entrance into the body, while secondary NF occurs through an obvious open wound. The symptoms are similar and secondary NF symptoms often occur away from the original point of entry. Classic symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis include high fever – over 103 degrees Fahrenheit – and severe pain, especially in the legs.

Necrotizing fasciitis is most commonly contracted because of a wound’s contact with sewage, or in the hospital, like MRSA.

Despite these obvious symptoms, emergency room and hospital personnel regularly fail to properly diagnose or investigate cases of necrotizing fasciitis, so patients have suffered amputations, organ removal surgeries, months in the hospital, and life-long disability because of medical malpractice and negligence.

A recent case of medical malpractice that led to necrotizing fasciitis settled last September in Lowell, Massachusetts. Monica Sprague Jorge, 41, agreed to dismiss her consolidated medical malpractice and negligence lawsuits from 2009 and 2010 against Drs. Timothy Hale, Charles Hardin, Jay Hendelman, and Benjamin Raby for a $9.5 million settlement. In 2007, Jorge gave birth via C-section to her second daughter, Sophia, then contracted necrotizing fasciitis because, she alleged, the doctors and nurses at the hospital failed to review her pertinent history, properly monitor her vital signs, appropriately examine her wound from the C-section, and appropriately report the seriousness of her condition.

Jorge had both her arms and legs amputated because of the rapid spread of the infection. She also had to have her uterus, ovaries, gallbladder, and part of her colon removed. She endured more than 40 surgeries because of the medical malpractice and neglect that led her to contract necrotizing fasciitis. Her settlement money went to pay her extensive medical bills, as well as to a trust fund set up for her two daughters, who have suffered along with their mother due to the medical negligence and subsequent disability.

Another famous case which did not go to court involved Atlanta resident Aimee Copeland, now 26, who contracted necrotizing fasciitis after gashing her leg open from a zip lining accident in 2012. She went to the hospital and received 22 staples in her leg. She returned the next day complaining of severe pain – a classic symptom of necrotizing fasciitis – but was prescribed painkillers. The day after that, a doctor prescribed antibiotics, but it was too late. The disease had spread and both Aimee’s hands and feet, along with her whole left leg, were amputated.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help those Injured with Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of a medical mistake or medical malpractice, whether from the wrong prescription or contracting a serious disease like Necrotizing Fasciitis, contact a South Carolina Medical Malpractice Attorney at The Strom Law Firm, LLC today. We offer a no cost consultation to see how we can help. 803.252.4800