Compensation for Hearing Loss due to Gentamicin Antibioticer
It is well known that the antibiotic Gentamicin can affect the hearing. Use of this powerful drug therefore needs to be very carefully monitored. If a patient develops hearing loss because their medical professionals have prescribed or administered gentamicin inappropriately, it might be worth considering a claim for compensation.
The gentamicin antibiotic
Gentamicin is a useful antibiotic which is often used for bacterial infections such as meningitis or pneumonia. However, unless used with caution, it can cause severe and permanent damage, particularly affecting either the balance, the hearing or kidney function.
A recent client suffered total hearing loss after being given gentamicin for an ulcer. Despite being at risk of side-effects from gentamicin due to his poor kidney function, and despite alternative treatment options being available, our client was prescribed the powerful antibiotic. Within a couple of days, his hearing began to deteriorate, ultimately leaving him completely deaf.
Prescribing gentamicin
If a patient's ailment suggests that the use of gentamicin may be helpful, there are a number of precautions which should be considered by medical practitioners:
- Is the patient at risk of side-effects?
- How does the age of the patient affect the dosage?
- How does the weight of the patient affect the dosage?
- Is the patient pregnant?
- Does the patient have kidney problems?
- Has the patient recently undergone a course of treatment with this drug?
- Does the patient have auditory or vestibular damage?
Even once a patient has been commenced on a course of gentamicin therapy, it is still vital that the patient's response to the drug is monitored in order to ensure that they are not showing any signs of adverse effects. It may be that the dosage needs to be amended or the patient needs to stop taking the antibiotic completely.
Claiming compensation
Significant or complete hearing loss can change the nature and quality of someone's life entirely. Their independence can be compromised and their ability to work and earn a living may be restricted.
A successful compensation claim can provide recompense for the patient's pain, suffering and associated past and future financial losses.
Medical negligence
If a medical professional prescribes gentamicin for a patient for whom it is not appropriate, they may be considered as having negligent.
If that patient subsequently suffers significant adverse effects, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Get legal advice
If you or a loved one are suffering on-going hearing problems due to gentamicin poisoning, contact Glynns today to discuss your situation with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
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