An allergic reaction can show itself in many different forms. It can be something as mild as just a contact dermatitis to more life threatening condition known as anaphylactic shock. An allergy can be towards any substance except air. An allergic reaction is the body’s way of fighting the allergen that has entered. It sees this foreign intruder as dangerous, and will release substances from the immune system to destroy it. The most common allergic reactions are to medication, chemicals, or food. In this instance, depending on the circumstances surrounding the medication you were given by the doctor, it may be possible to file a lawsuit if there was negligence involved on the doctor’s part.
Symptoms and Signs of An Allergic Reaction
The main signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction are:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swollen lips, eyes, tongue or face
- Decreased blood pressure
- Pain in abdomen or chest
- Hives
- Cough
- Fast heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fainting
The allergic reaction can become so severe that the airways become blocked, the lungs cannot function, and a heart attack occurs.
Medical Negligence
If you are considering filing a lawsuit in this case for yourself or on before a family member, you will need to prove that medical negligence was at the heart of you being prescribed medication that caused an allergic reaction. In some cases, this may be hard to do but will not be impossible with the right attorney to guide you.
It may be possible to show medical negligence was the basis of your allergic reaction if you were prescribed a drug that your drug knew you were allergic to. For example, if someone failed to check your arm band or medical notes in hospital and you were given penicillin. Even though it was listed as one of the medications you are allergic.
Another example of medical negligence that could lead to an allergic reaction is to be given a drug in a known class of drugs that you are allergic to. For example, if you are allergic to other antibiotics within the same category, and you are given another drug within that category. Most medical professionals will try to find an alternative drug from a different category to prescribe.
Another way that medical negligence was a factor in your allergic reaction to a prescribed medication is if you are given too much of a drug. In some people this can cause an adverse reaction. In another scenario, your doctor may have prescribed a drug that interacts in a negative way with a drug you are currently taking, even when he or she knew you were taking this drug.
Getting Legal Help
The best thing to do in a situation such as this is to seek the guidance of an experienced attorney. They will be able to guide you on the best way to discover if this was a case of medical negligence.
