Gentamicin Poisoning Compensation
Gentamicin poisoning can be life-changing, leaving the patient restricted both in terms of mobility and hearing. Where such issues are due to substandard medical care, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Problems caused by Gentamicin
Inappropriate use of Gentamicin can cause the patient to suffer kidney problems as well as hearing and balance problems.
In extreme cases, the on-going impact of these problems can be severe, affecting the individual's ability to work and live independently.
The financials losses and costs associated with such problems can, likewise, be significant.
Gentamicin case study
A recent client, who was put on a course of Gentamicin despite having only just completed a previous course, suffered a permanent balance disorder as a result. Her impaired mobility has necessitated a move to single-storey accommodation and she is no longer able to drive.
Glynns assisted her with her claim for compensation and she was awarded in excess of £170,000.
Is using Gentamicin always negligent?
The use of Gentamicin is not, in itself, an act of negligence. It is a very powerful and useful antibiotic which can sometimes resolve significant and life-threatening infections such as meningitis and sepsis.
Medical professionals may, however, be considered to have acted negligently in the following circumstances:
- The use of Gentamicin for a patient where its use is counter-indicated, such as a patient with pre-existing kidney problems or a pregnant patient
- Inappropriate dosage given to a patient, causing long-term medical problems.
- On-going use of Gentamicin when appropriate monitoring would have shown that it should have been stopped
- failure to observe symptoms of Gentamicin poisoning in a patient receiving this antibiotic
The administration, risks and management of Gentamicin is thoroughly described in the guidelines of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. If these guidelines are ignored, resulting in significant problems for the patient, the relevant medical professionals may be regarded as having acted negligently.
Symptoms of Gentamicin poisoning
A patient who might be developing Gentamicin poisoning is likely to exhibit some of the following symptoms:
- dizziness
- hearing loss
- ringing in the ears
A failure by medical professionals to recognise the implications of these symptoms in a patient who is taking Gentamicin may mean that the dosage is not amended or stopped, as necessary, and the patient suffers long-term difficulties as a result. Such a situation might justify pursuing a claim for compensation.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering the long-term impact of Gentamicin poisoning due to poor medical care, contact us to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor about a possible compensation claim.
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