Acute kidney injury (AKI) compensation

Studies have shown that between 15,000 and 40,000 people die each year because of a failure to diagnose and treat Acute Kidney Injury (previously called acute renal failure). If injury or death results from sub-standard care it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is responsible for nearly eight times as many deaths as the superbug MRSA was at its peak. Deaths from AKI could easily be prevented and although dehydration is one of the main causes of the condition, there are several other risk factors across virtually every age group.

AKI can develop very quickly in people already ill with conditions such as heart failure or diabetes or those admitted to hospital with infections and can be a consequence of any major surgery because the kidneys can be deprived of blood flow during the procedure.

The elderly are particularly at risk of acute kidney failure, especially when there are past medical complications such as diabetes and liver disease. AKI can strike suddenly without any warning but more usually chronic renal failure develops over a number of years, often with symptoms such as shortness of breath, excessive urination, skin rashes or frequent fatigue confused with other ailments.

AKI can also affect youngsters and teenagers because of a failure to recognise and treat conditions such as Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) reflux nephropathy and nephritis. Unless properly and regularly monitored, some common medicines such as Mesalazine, prescribed to control the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, can also lead to kidney damage.

A basic failure by health professionals to adequately monitor a patient’s fluid levels, recognise the symptoms of AKI and a failure to treat the condition in a timely manner can result in significant injury and give rise to a claim for compensation.