Claiming Compensation for Gentamicin Medical Negligence
Misadministration of the antibiotic Gentamicin can cause severe injury and may justify a claim for compensation if the patient suffers a poor long-term outcome.
Gentamicin medical negligence
Gentamicin can be a useful and powerful antibiotic but it comes freighted with difficult issues. Assessment of the patient's condition as well as prescription and administration of the drug needs meticulous attention by medical professionals and the patient requires close monitoring once they have commenced taking the drug.
An excessive dosage or the use of gentamicin where patient factors are unfavourable can cause severe problems including the following:
- Gentamicin is described as being nephrotoxic which means that it can cause damage to the kidneys. This can be a particular problem where the patient is already suffering with a kidney disorder. The dosage to be administered needs to be calculated carefully, taking into account the patient's weight and pre-existing conditions. Any indication that the drug is causing problems should prompt either a reduction in the dosage or a cessation in the administration of the drug. If the impact on the kidney is not recognised, the patient may suffer an acute kidney injury, threatening renal failure.
- Gentamicin is also described as being ototoxic, meaning that it can cause hearing problems and possible loss of the balance facility which may be permanent. These distressing and debilitating outcomes are also associated with the level of dosage of the drug and an excessive dosage needs to be avoided.
Long-term impact
The long-term impact of any of the above side-effects of excess gentamicin can cause significant difficulties in everyday life, reducing the patient's quality of life, and even reducing their capacity to work and earn an income. It may even become life-threatening.
If such a poor outcome is due to medical failings in assessment, monitoring or administration of a powerful antibiotic, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
A successful compensation claim can provide recompense not only for the patient's pain and suffering but also for any financial losses caused by the negligence.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one have suffered the severe problems which can be caused by misadministration of gentamicin, contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to an experienced solicitor.
We are a specialist medical negligence legal practice and one of our team of expert lawyers will be very happy to help you.
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