In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of a meningitis lawsuit as treatment for meningitis. Unfortunately, the risks associated with such a lawsuit are relatively small compared to those associated with the conventional modes of treatment for acute meningitis. For example, surgical procedures like an open head cerebrospinal fluid injection (OSCIF) or a single spinal cordectomy do not generally result in lasting damage that is likely to interfere with the sufferer’s ability to live their life to the fullest. Also, if a case does go to court, doctors are rarely awarded compensations that exceed tens of thousands of dollars. Such cases do, however, provide grounds for individual doctors to seek damages for pain, suffering, loss of companionship, and other related expenses.
Meningitis Lawsuit
Meningitis lawsuit can be pursued on a number of different grounds. The most common reason to file a lawsuit is a doctor who has failed to promptly recognize the signs and symptoms of meningitis. Although it can take several days or even weeks for the doctor to properly diagnose the condition, delays in this process can certainly expose the patient to a greater risk of contracting a harmful fungal infection. This is especially true if the fungal meningitis infection was allowed to persist after the doctor noticed the onset of meningitis. Doctors are often required to administer steroid injections to patients who have been diagnosed with meningitis.
Another reason to file a lawsuit relates to the use of contaminated injectable steroid meningitis medication.
If a person accidentally ingested a contaminated injection, it can only be considered as being “indirect poisoning” since the body has been exposed to the offending drugs without having been exposed to any contaminants. Doctors are sometimes required to administer contaminated medications in combination with antibiotics in order to treat acute cases.
Another type of meningitis lawsuit occurs when a patient uses a preservative-free, generic medication that contains hydrocortisone and is given an injection.
Hydrocortisone is a derivative of cortisol, which has many unpleasant side effects such as itching, dry mouth, and even stinging. This substance also accumulates in the system and can cause an increased risk of meningitis in susceptible individuals. It is not known if the preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate contained within the steroid injection was intended to be used in a situation where immune function was compromised. Regardless, lawsuits concerning the dangers of unapproved drugs have been quite common, particularly in regard to the dangers associated with the use of contaminated medications.
If you have been diagnosed with meningitis, it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
A meningitis lawsuit can be filed against the manufacturer, the physician, and possibly the nurse who administered the injection. The manufacturer is responsible for producing an adequate warning regarding the risks of the product and should develop a plan for ensuring adequate precautions are taken. Your attorney will then determine whether or not negligence occurred and if there is evidence the product was intentionally misused.
Meningitis lawsuits can also be filed if you are suffering from permanent damage resulting from your meningitis outbreak.
If you have lost the ability to perform the basic tasks of life, such as bathing, eating, or interacting with others, you may qualify for compensation. Even if you do not suffer from any direct injury as a result of your meningitis, the medical team treating you may be held liable for injuries they caused while administering the injectable steroid. This is especially the case if the team members did not follow recommended procedures to ensure adequate protection of the patient.
