Often described as a flesh-eating bacterial infection, necrotizing fasciitis is an aggressive and life-threatening condition that demands immediate medical intervention. When healthcare providers fail to recognize the symptoms or delay treatment, the infection can spread rapidly, leading to sepsis, organ failure, limb loss, and even death. Necrotizing fasciitis is a surgical emergency, and providers who do not promptly diagnose and treat it may be held legally accountable for the consequences of their inaction. If you or someone you love has experienced serious injury or loss as a result of a provider’s failure to diagnose or treat this condition promptly, you may be owed compensation, and you should talk to an attorney. At Arfaa Law Group, our Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers represent individuals and families who have suffered harm due to negligent care, and if you engage our services, we will help you pursue the justice you deserve.
Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but extremely dangerous bacterial infection that attacks the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles, nerves, fat, and blood vessels. It often begins with a seemingly minor skin wound, such as a cut, scrape, or surgical incision. In some cases, the bacteria enter the body through no identifiable break in the skin. Once present, the infection can spread rapidly through the tissue, destroying muscle and fat and triggering a severe systemic inflammatory response. Early symptoms may resemble less serious conditions and include redness, swelling, pain, or fever. However, the hallmark of necrotizing fasciitis is pain that is disproportionate to the appearance of the skin.
A prompt diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis is essential to a good outcome. Doctors are expected to recognize the signs of a rapidly spreading soft tissue infection and to initiate aggressive treatment immediately. This often includes broad-spectrum antibiotics, surgical debridement of infected tissue, and intensive care support. When a diagnosis is delayed, or the condition is mistaken for a minor infection such as cellulitis, patients can deteriorate quickly. Without surgical intervention, the infection may cause tissue death, septic shock, and multi-organ failure. Survivors of necrotizing fasciitis frequently require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, amputation, or long-term rehabilitation. They may also suffer from psychological trauma, chronic pain, and permanent disfigurement.
In Maryland, patients who are harmed by negligent medical care related to necrotizing fasciitis may file a malpractice claim against the responsible provider.
To succeed, the plaintiff must prove four key elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. Duty refers to the obligation a doctor owes their patient, namely, to provide them with care that meets the applicable standard, which is the treatment expected of reasonably competent medical professionals in similar circumstances. In cases involving necrotizing fasciitis, this includes timely recognition of red flag symptoms, ordering the appropriate diagnostic tests such as imaging or laboratory work, consulting specialists when necessary, and initiating emergency treatment without delay.
The plaintiff then must show that the defendant breached the duty owed by failing to act in accordance with this standard. This might involve misdiagnosing the infection as a minor condition, delaying surgery, prescribing ineffective antibiotics, or failing to refer the patient to a hospital equipped to handle the severity of the infection.
Next, the plaintiff must show causation, which is the link between the provider’s breach and the patient’s injury. The plaintiff must show that the delayed or inappropriate care caused or worsened the condition and that earlier, appropriate intervention would have led to a better outcome. This often requires testimony from infectious disease specialists or surgeons familiar with the treatment protocols for necrotizing fasciitis.
Finally, the plaintiff must demonstrate actual damages. These may include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and the cost of future care such as prosthetics, reconstructive surgery, or physical therapy. Non-economic damages may include physical pain, emotional suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement.
The failure to diagnose and treat necrotizing fasciitis in a timely manner can change a life in a matter of hours. If you suffered losses due to a doctor’s inadequate care, you have the right to pursue compensation, and you should talk to an attorney. At Arfaa Law Group, our Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys have the experience and resources needed to pursue claims against negligent providers, and if we represent you, we will work tirelessly on your behalf. We are located in Baltimore and represent clients across the city. Call us at 410-889-1850 or reach out through our online form to schedule a free meeting.