Can I Sue if a Doctor or Hospital Gave Me a Drug I Am Allergic To? 

 Posted on February 24, 2023 in Car Accidents

One of the first questions doctors, nurses, dentists, and other healthcare practitioners usually ask a new patient is whether the patient has any known drug allergies. If the patient knows about a drug allergy, he or she discloses it to the healthcare worker, who notes it in the patient’s charts so that future exposure to the drug can be avoided. Unfortunately, healthcare workers are often busy and stressed, and details about allergies can be difficult to pay attention to. Nevertheless, this is not an excuse for accidentally giving a patient a dangerous drug and triggering an allergic reaction. If you or a loved one suffered a serious allergic reaction due to negligent medical care, you may be able to bring a case for medical malpractice. 

What Happens if Someone Takes a Drug They Are Allergic To? 

Allergic reactions vary depending on the person and the severity of the allergy. Some symptoms are not very serious, while others can quickly become life-threatening. The most common symptoms of an allergic reaction to a drug include, but are not limited to: 

• Hives

• Rash

• Fever

• Itching

• Wheezing

• Swollen lips, tongue, or throat 

• Runny nose and eyes

While these symptoms can be irritating or painful, a much more serious reaction called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock occurs in some people. Dysfunction of major body systems occurs during anaphylaxis, such as a sudden drop in blood pressure, closing of the throat and airways, seizure, organ failure, and loss of consciousness. If left untreated, anaphylaxis can be fatal. 

Is My Doctor Responsible For Giving Me Medicine I Am Allergic To? 

Your doctor, nurse, dentist, and any other healthcare practitioner owe you a duty of care to provide you with the best standard of care, and this includes avoiding exposure to known allergens. For example, if you visit the dentist and you have a known latex allergy, the dentist and the office staff owe you a duty of care to ensure you are not exposed to latex. Likewise, if you visit the hospital for a surgery and you are given an IV antibiotic to which you have a known allergy, the hospital, the nurse that administered the IV, and the doctor who prescribed the antibiotic may all be liable for the consequences of an allergic reaction. 

Call a Winnebago County Prescription Medicine Error Attorney

Being given the wrong medication can have dangerous and even lethal consequences. If you or a loved one were prescribed or given medication in error, you may be able to take legal action against the person or organization responsible for your injuries and suffering. Call Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Injury Law today at 815-215-7561 to schedule a free consultation with a Rockford, IL medical malpractice attorney. 

Source: 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371835