If you have experienced the discomfort of itchy swollen skin, you know how uncomfortable an allergic reaction can be. Generally, mild allergic reactions can be treated with over-the-counter creams and antihistamines. However, some allergic reactions can lead to anaphylactic shock, which is a severe, life-threatening reaction to foods, drugs, and other substances.
If you or a family member has suffered injury or death because of a fatal allergic reaction to a prescribed drug, you or your family may be entitled to compensation for your loss. For more information about your rights and entitlements, speak to an experienced medical malpractice lawyer in Philadelphia. The attorneys at Youman & Caputo have decades of experience and are ready to fight for your best interests.
If you would like to speak to an experienced Philadelphia fatal allergic reaction injury attorney, call Youman & Caputo at (215) 302-1999 today. Your initial consultation is at no cost to you.
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can result in death. An allergic reaction is the immune system reacting to a trigger introduced into the body by releasing chemicals that cause allergy symptoms like itching and swelling. Usually, this reaction is limited to a small location in the body.
With anaphylaxis, the body’s immune system overreacts to a trigger, releasing a flood of chemicals that can cause the person to go into shock. The person experiences a sudden drop in blood pressure, and their airways narrow, blocking their breathing. Our acute respiratory distress attorneys in Philadelphia have considerable experience litigating these types of cases. If anaphylaxis is not treated immediately, it can be fatal.
For some people, certain common items used in the medical environment can trigger severe, life-threatening allergic reactions. The common triggers include:
Healthcare providers should establish that a patient has no known allergies before using these items for their care. If they fail to do so, our attorneys understand how to approach cases where a doctor disregards a patient’s medical history in Philadelphia.
Anaphylaxis symptoms usually occur within a few minutes of exposure to a trigger substance. Signs and symptoms include:
Anaphylaxis is an emergency situation that must be treated immediately to avoid death. Epinephrine is the most common effective treatment for anaphylaxis. It may be administered with other drugs such as steroids. If epinephrine does not work, then a tube may be inserted into your mouth or nose to help your breathing. More serious cases may require a tracheostomy – a surgical procedure to put a tube directly into your windpipe to help you breathe.
Although some allergic reactions are unexpected, the standard of care in the medical profession requires your doctor to consult your medical history when prescribing drugs. Doctors and nurses must note a patient’s allergies in their medical chart, and avoid using products with allergens. During surgery, patients must be monitored for adverse reactions to anesthesia.
Standard procedures must be followed when a patient suffers an allergic reaction to avoid more serious injury or death.
Fatal allergic reaction cases can be complex. Rarely will the defendants accept full responsibility for injury or death caused by their negligence or substandard care. The Philadelphia catastrophic injuries legal team at Youman & Caputo has the litigation experience to help you get justice and compensation for injury or death from anaphylactic shock.
You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses you may have suffered. If you lost a family member from anaphylactic shock, you may be able to make a wrongful death claim.
Call (215) 302-1999 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Philadelphia fatal allergic reaction injury attorney.
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