What Are Lithium Toxicity Claims?
You may be able to claim compensation for damage caused by the toxicity of lithium in certain medications. Read on to learn how you can get lithium toxicity and the possible effects.
Prescribing Lithium
Lithium is a natural salt that helps to stabilise brain cells and improve brain function. It is an established ingredient in medication for depression and other mental health conditions. It is commonly taken for extended periods, around 10-20 years, so prescribing lithium for many years isn’t medically negligent. Substandard care arises when lithium toxicity significantly affects kidney function, and healthcare professionals do not identify this until irreversible damage has been sustained.
Causes of Lithium Toxicity
If you are taking lithium, you should have blood tests every three months to check lithium toxicity levels and organ function. Your lithium level should ideally be between 0.5 and 1.1, in the ‘Therapeutic Range’. Beyond 1.1, you are in danger of developing lithium toxicity symptoms. For example, it is possible for lithium to harm kidney function. If your kidney function falls below 45%, you should be referred to a kidney specialist (a nephrologist).
Effects of Lithium Poisoning
Lithium poisoning can be fatal, leading to severe dehydration and causing brain damage and other neurological injuries. Excessive lithium toxicity levels can also cause nephrogenic diabetes, a condition where the kidneys lose the ability to retain water. This can lead to discomfort, dehydration and more frequent toilet trips.
Other Conditions Affecting Kidney Function
Besides lithium toxicity, there are several conditions which can damage kidney function, including chronic kidney disease, diabetes and heart problems. To win a clinical negligence case and obtain compensation, we must show that lithium caused avoidable kidney function impairment.
However, lithium can still contribute to the decline if you have another condition. Because you are more vulnerable in this position, your healthcare providers should monitor you very carefully and refer you to a nephrologist if your kidney function falls below 45%.
Treating Lithium Toxicity
If you have been referred to a nephrologist, your lithium prescription should be reviewed and likely reduced. The relevant members of your healthcare team - including your GP, psychiatrist and nephrologist - should agree upon the best course of action, as stopping lithium abruptly could lead to mental health problems. You should be involved in the decision-making process, especially as you may need extra support for your mental health condition if your dosage is reduced to protect you from lithium toxicity.
When Can I Claim Lithium Toxicity Negligence Compensation?
It is worth speaking to us about a compensation claim for lithium toxicity effects on your kidneys if, during the time you have been prescribed lithium, you have suffered because:
- You have experienced a rapid decline in kidney function (up to one year)
- You have not been having regular blood tests (around every three months)
- Your healthcare providers have not been properly reviewing your blood tests
- You were not referred quickly to a nephrologist
If you have experienced these, please contact us as soon as possible. As you will see from our real-life examples, the consequences of lithium toxicity can be devastating at times.
How Can a Lithium Toxicity Claim Help?
If you win your lithium toxicity claim, the compensation you receive should cover the cost of your physical, mental and emotional suffering. This can include:
- Transport to medical appointments
- Medical equipment, such as a home dialysis machine
- Physiotherapy following a possible kidney transplant
- Loss of employment
- Loss of a loved one’s employment while they were serving as a carer
- Private home care
- Therapy
Examples of Past Lithium Toxicity Claims
Left untreated, chronic lithium toxicity can have terrible consequences. Here are a few examples of past claims that Medical Solicitors have won for victims of medical negligence around lithium toxicity.
- £2.4M
For a man who suffered irreversible brain damage and was confined to a wheelchair after both his GP and hospital trust failed to act upon signs of chronic lithium toxicity.
- £20,000
For a man whose prescription of lithium was not altered until a year and a half after his kidney function declined. By this time, he had nephrogenic diabetes and stage four chronic kidney disease.
Our client already had chronic kidney disease and other health conditions that were contributing to his declining kidney function. Still, his high lithium toxicity level saw his kidney function decline rapidly in a short space of time.
Thankfully, his kidney function did not decline any further once the lithium stopped, so he did not need dialysis. His claim was limited to the pain and suffering for the 18-month period when his kidney function continued declining as a result of his medication staying the same.
- £15,000
For the estate of an elderly woman who suffered a lithium overdose after her GP continued to prescribe it without blood test results. She suffered three falls, neurological dysfunction, hair loss and a general decline in health. Although she died before the claim was settled, her family won on behalf of her estate.
Why Choose Us as Your Lithium Toxicity Claim Solicitors?
With Medical Solicitors, bringing a lithium toxicity compensation claim is as straightforward as possible. Plus, our specialist lawyers conduct most of our clinical and medical negligence claims under ‘No Win, No Fee’ agreements, so you have nothing to lose in consulting us. If you or someone you know has been subject to medical negligence, please get in touch so that we can start working on your lithium toxicity claim
Please note: Medical Solicitors specialise in handling lithium toxicity claims involving healthcare providers in England and Wales and will be happy to extend a helping hand if your case is located in either of these regions. Unfortunately, we do not handle lithium toxicity cases outside of England and Wales.
