Medical toxicology focuses on the diagnosis, management, and prevention of poisoning and other adverse effects due to medications, occupational and environmental toxins, and biological agents. Dr. Gustin provides authoritative review on standard of care, medication errors, and adverse drug reactions in clinical settings.
In medical malpractice litigation, the central question is often whether the treating physician adhered to the accepted standard of care regarding medication administration and overdose management. Dr. Gustin analyzes the clinical decision-making process: Was the drug indicated? Was the dosage appropriate? Were potential interactions considered?
His experience in Emergency Medicine allows him to realistically assess whether a provider’s actions—or failure to act—deviated from what a prudent physician would have done under similar circumstances.
Not every bad outcome is malpractice. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) can occur even when procedures are followed correctly. Dr. Gustin distinguishes between a foreseeable, non-preventable side effect and a preventable medication error.
He meticulously reviews electronic health records (EHR) and pharmacy logs to identify errors in prescribing, dispensing, or administration, providing attorneys with a clear distinction between an 'unfortunate complication' and actionable negligence.
Patients with complex medical histories often present with multiple comorbidities. When a toxic event occurs, determined causation requires separating the toxic effect from the underlying disease process.
Dr. Gustin utilizes his dual expertise in toxicology and emergency medicine to explain how specific toxins impact compromised organ systems (e.g., how an opioid overdose affects a patient with COPD). This nuanced understanding is vital for establishing or refuting proximate cause in wrongful death and injury claims.
If you have a case involving overdose, chemical exposure, or malpractice, contact Dr. Gustin for a preliminary discussion.