I was admitted to the hospital for diverticulitis and given the drug Rocephrin/cephalosporins. I am allergic to Penicillin and it is my understanding that cephalosporins should not be administered to someone who is allergic to Penicillin unless they do a skin test first.
I entered the hospital without a fever, typically I would have received an antibotic and been sent home. However, due to the cephalosporins, I spent 12 days in the hospital with a fever of 107 and pneumonia. I now suffer neuropathy of both hands and have not been able to return to work after three months. Now, I have to have regular consults with a Neurologist, weekly visits to doctor, etc. and don't know if I will ever regain sensation in hands.
Is this a case of medical malpractice?
Answer:
This may be a case of medical malpractice, as most commonly, a doctor would either perform a skin test to detect allergy, or avoid the drug all together. If an expert medical witness determines that the doctors administration of cephalosporins without first testing for medical allergy was a deviation from accepted medical standards, then the doctor may be held liable for medical malpractice.
You should talk to a medical malpractice attorney about your case to find out if you should proceed with a medical malpractice lawsuit, and how much money you may be entitled to under medical malpractice tort law.
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Posted by Staff Writer on 07 Mar 2010