QUINN THIELE MINEAULT GRODZKI LLP DISCUSSES: HOSPITAL INDUCED DELIRIUM

 
QUINN THIELE MINEAULT GRODZKI LLP, personal injury lawyers Ottawa, have many clients who have suffered severe injuries and consequently are hospitalized.  In these circumstances the lawyers at QTMG LLP are often approached by family members and loved ones who are concerned about the health of their loved one, the injury victim.  In some instances, family members are exceptionally concerned as they see their loved one suffering from various symptoms including poor orientation, an impaired cognition, and limited attention span.  Further, it is not entirely uncommon to see patients exhibiting symptoms of aggression or even lethargy and sleepiness.
 
These symptoms are often concerning to family members as these symptoms are interpreted as a severe impact flowing from the injury and/or accident.  
 
In cases where the injury victims are older, these symptoms may be considered a part of the aging process and be attributed to a normal decline induced by old age.  However, recent studies by the Canadian Geriatrics Society are showing that some of these changes in behaviour are actually symptomatic of delirium.  In fact, the Canadian Geriatrics Society estimates that nearly 33% of seniors over the age of 70 will experience delirium in a hospital setting and they find that the percentage is even higher where the injury victim is in intensive care or where they have had surgery.
 
It is important for families to know that an episode of delirium is not necessarily a permanent condition.  It may last a few days though sometimes it can last a few months as well.  The length of an episode sometimes results in a missed diagnosis and in fact, according to the Canadian Geriatrics Society the incidence of undiagnosed or untreated hospital induced delirium is a significant problem in Canada.  
 
The lawyers at QTMG LLP are pleased to provide you with further information about what you may reasonably expect to happen, legally speaking,  in the aftermath of a serious injury and hospitalization.  For more information on hospital induced delirium you may wish to look at the December 2011 issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ).
 
QUINN THIELE MINEAULT GRODZKI LLP
310 O’Connor Street
Ottawa, ON K2P 1V8
Tel: 613-315-4878