What should I do if my child received a chemotherapy overdose?

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child hand with IV chemotherapyUnfortunately, children are uniquely susceptible to chemotherapy overdoses. Their small size and changing body composition makes it difficult to calculate the correct dose of drugs intended for adult patients. Since chemotherapy drugs are powerful enough to kill healthy tissue as well as cancer cells, the effects of an overdose can be devastating.

If your child has received a chemotherapy overdose, you must act quickly to protect his or her health and legal right to compensation.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your child’s care team should discuss the potential side effects of any chemo drugs your child is receiving, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, easy bruising, and sores in the mouth. Side effects that are particularly severe may indicate an overdose or adverse reaction.

If you believe your child has received an overdose of chemotherapy medication, bring your concerns to care providers immediately. Acting quickly can reduce the complications your child may experience. For example, administering uridine triacetate (Vistogard) has been shown to increase the chances of recovery from severe and rapid-onset toxicity related to a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) overdose.

Protect Your Child’s Legal Rights

After your child’s immediate medical needs have been taken care of, you should contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney. Provide any evidence you can find to support your claim of a chemo overdose, such as prescription bottles and copies of your child’s medical records.

The legal team at Gray & White Law can help you establish the four elements of a successful malpractice claim for a chemotherapy overdose:

  • The defendant was caring for the child in a professional capacity, whether as a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or oncologist.
  • The defendant violated the accepted medical standard of care for treating your child’s cancer.
  • Your child suffered measurable harm, such as a worsening of his or her condition.
  • The harm your child suffered is linked to the chemotherapy overdose and not attributed to any other cause.

Call today to schedule a free, no-obligation case review.  We will discuss your legal options and how to best protect your child’s right to compensation.

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