compartment syndrome
Compartment syndrome is fortunately a relative
rare complication of a traumatic injury to muscle fibres. It
is caused by excessive bleeding into the muscle compartments which
increases the pressure within that compartment thereby compromising
circulation, depriving the muscle fibres of oxygen and ultimately
resulting in the death of the muscle tissue. Once it has
developed the only treatment for Compartment syndrome is radical
surgery to release the pressure within the muscle. This is a
surgical emergency situation. If the muscle tissue has
already died, then amputation of limbs will be unavoidable, or if
the patient has abdominal Compartment syndrome, failure of major
abdominal organs and eventually death may follow.
Claims in relation to Compartment syndrome may
concern a delay in recognition of these symptoms and consequent
loss of limbs (or worse). The Clinical Negligence team at
Blake Lapthorn also have experience of dealing with claims where
the client alleges that treatment by a medical professional has in
fact caused the Compartment syndrome. Blood thinning
medication is prescribed relatively frequently in hospitals and
this can exacerbate the problem significantly. The decision
to undertake a particular medical procedure or to prescribe a
particular medication must always be a reasonable decision in the
circumstances at that time. If the decision was unreasonable
and no competent medical professional would have taken that course
of action, the treating medic is in breach of the duty of care owed
to the client.
We at Blake Lapthorn in conjunction with a large team of medical
experts with whom we have an excellent working relationship, are
able to investigate all of these areas on behalf of our clients to
determine whether or not the emergency situation they have faced
could have been avoided. If so, we are then able to help our
clients to obtain maximum compensation for the quite severe
injuries that they have sustained.
For further information please contact Alison McClure in the
Clinical Negligence team on 023 8085 7345 or email alison.mcclure@bllaw.co.uk.
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