This client, Mr G, a 59 year old man, was awarded damages after sustaining hearing loss following a negligent overdose of furosemide whilst in the care of North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust.
In early 2022 the client was admitted to the Defendant Trust with complications of a chest infection. He was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat together with fluid around his heart, lungs, in his abdomen and legs. He was prescribed 240mg intravenous furosemide, a medication commonly used to decrease fluid retention in the body.
The medication was supposed to be infused slowly over a one hour period but instead was infused rapidly over 6 minutes. He was then discharged on a high dose of 240mg oral furosemide daily until this was reduced to 120mg / day after a further 2-3 weeks.
Furosemide is known to potentially cause damage to the hearing and the client subsequently developed mild to moderate hearing loss in both ears, together with tinnitus which is expected to be permanent. He was recommended to have bilateral hearing aids to assist with both his hearing and tinnitus.
Stone Rowe Brewer LLP, acting on behalf of the client, obtained expert evidence from an independent ENT expert which confirmed that the rapid infusion of furosemide had, on the balance of probabilities, caused the client’s hearing loss.
These allegations were put to the Trust in a Letter of Claim. In their Letter of Response, the Trust admitted liability for the negligent rapid infusion of the IV furosemide, causing the subsequent hearing loss and tinnitus.
A five figure settlement for damages was agreed between the parties.