Entonox Claims
Entonox is a well-established pain-relieving gas mixture which is generally believed (not only by the public but also many in the medical profession) to be completely harmless and to have no long-lasting effects. It consists of two gases, 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen and is more commonly known as gas and air. It is the first choice of pain relief used by Paramedics and is also used in hospital during some investigations and procedures.
Whilst it is generally safe to use, there can be lasting side effects if Entonox is used in the wrong circumstances or where it is used too frequently or continuously for too long.
If Entonox is used too frequently e.g. for pain relief in a patient suffering repeated dislocations of the knee, it can cause Vitamin B12 deficiency which can lead to damage to the spinal cord.
Wolferstans’ medical negligence solicitors have experience with Entonox negligence claims, with our team having secured millions of pounds in compensation for our clients. We know exactly what is required for a successful claim, so can ensure you have the best possible chance of a fair outcome.
Equally skilled in court action and non-confrontational dispute resolution, we can ensure that no matter what route your claim takes, we can represent you effectively through every stage of the process.
With the ability to offer highly accurate valuations for Entonox claims thanks to our specific experience in this area, we can help to ensure your claim is not undervalued and you do not accept less than you may be entitled to. This is something that can be a risk with less experienced firms.
We offer a free initial no obligation consultation during which we will be able to tell you if you have a claim worth investigating further.
To arrange your consultation please contact the new client team on 01752 292204
Our Entonox negligence claims service
Our medical negligence team work with clients across England and Wales on Entonox negligence claims, although these claims are extremely rare.
Entonox should not be used if you have:
- A head injury with impairment of consciousness (Glasgow Coma Score of 14 or less, or any signs of cerebral injury) as nitrous oxide can raise intracranial pressure in head injuries
- Suspected or known increased pressure on the brain
- Air trapped in a part of the body where its expansion may be dangerous, such as air lodged in an artery
- A collapsed lung
- Lung disease with breathing difficulties such as emphysema
- Injuries to the face and head
- A blockage in the bowel or severely bloated stomach
- Within one week of taking Methotrexate for arthritis or cancer
- If you have a tracheostomy
- Decompression sickness (the Bends) or if you have been diving within 48 hours
- Had any recent alcohol or recreational drugs
- Similarly, if Entonox is used regularly, it should not be administered more frequently than every 4 days or continuously for more than 24 hours.
How Entonox negligence claims work
Our clinical negligence lawyers aim to make the claims process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you, providing clear, compassionate guidance every step of the way.
A typical Entonox claim will involve:
- Building your case e.g. applying for medical records, collecting witness evidence and consulting independent medical experts.
- Contacting the relevant healthcare provider with the details of your claim.
- Ensuring the defendant responds to your claim in a timely fashion.
- Assessing the defendant’s response and advising you of your options.
- Negotiating with the defendant and/or using alternative dispute resolution (ADR), such as mediation or independent evaluation, to secure a suitable settlement.
- Submitting your claim to the relevant court and representing you at a court hearing where required to resolve the matter.
Find out more about the process of making a clinical negligence claim.
Funding an Entonox compensation claim
We know that many people worry about how they will fund the cost of an Entonox claim, but as long as we believe your claim has a reasonable chance of success, we will find a way to fund it that works for you.
In most cases, this is likely to mean using our ‘no win, no fee’ Entonox claims service. This allows you to avoid having to pay anything up front to make a claim. Instead you will only need to contribute towards legal costs and expenses if your claim is successful. The amount you pay will then be based on a percentage of the compensation we secure for you.
One alternative is to rely on legal expenses insurance to fund your Entonox claim. This is frequently offered alongside home insurance policies, as well as with some bank accounts and credit cards. Our team will be happy to discuss whether legal expenses insurance is the right option to fund your claim when you first get in touch.
To discuss your options for covering the cost of an Entonox negligence claim, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Find out more about funding a medical negligence claim.
Our expertise in Entonox claims
We have successfully recovered substantial compensation in relation to Entonox claims, making us one of the leading teams of medical negligence experts in this niche area.
Wolferstans is accredited by the Law Society for Clinical Negligence, recognising our particular expertise in this area. We are also Lexcel accredited by the Law Society for excellence in legal practice management and client care.
Various members of our medical negligence team are also on the Law Society and AvMA (Action against Medical Accidents) Specialist Clinical Negligence Panels and have been accredited by APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers) as Clinical Negligence Specialists and Brain Injury Specialists.
Find out more about our medical negligence claims team.
Common questions about Entonox claims
n most circumstances, you will have 3 years to make a claim for Entonox negligence. This time limit may be counted either from when the negligence occurred or when you became aware of it, depending on the situation.
However, there are various scenarios where the time limit for making a claim can be different. Knowing when these alternative time limits apply can be complicated, so it is always worth speaking to one of our medical negligence lawyers, no matter how much time has passed.
Situations where the time limit may vary from the standard 3 years, include:
- Where the claimant is was under 18 when the negligence occurred – Their parents will then have until the claimant turns 18 to bring a claim for them. If this is not done, the claimant will have 3 years to bring a claim themselves once they turn 18.
- Where a loved one has died as the result of Entonox negligence – The representatives of their estate will normally have 3 years from the date of death to bring a claim.
- Where the claimant lacks the mental capacity to bring a claim – There is no time limit for someone else to bring a claim for them.
The value of an Entonox claim will be determined based on the impact the negligent treatment has had on the claimant’s health and their lifestyle.
You can normally claim two types of damages for Entonox negligence:
Special damages – These cover specific financial losses incurred up to the date of settlement, such as paying for private treatment, care support and special equipment costs, as well as other considerations, such as loss of earnings.
General damages – These cover non-financial losses e.g. pain and suffering and changes to your lifestyle, plus expected future financial losses, including the cost of ongoing care and any impact on your ability to work
You will need to be able to show that the way Entonox was administered:
- Fell below medically acceptable standards.
- Directly caused or contributed to the injuries you/your loved one sustained.
Establishing this will rely on various types of evidence, including:
- Medical records
- Witness evidence
- Evidence from independent medical experts
Further information about Entonox claims
For more information about Entonox compensation claims and all types of medical negligence claims, please take a look at our news, blogs and our series of helpful leaflets covering specific issues.
Start an Entonox negligence claim with us today
To arrange a free initial no obligation consultation and find out more about starting an Entonox claim:
To arrange your consultation please contact the new client team on 01752 292204.