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Medication Errors
A medication error is one of the most widespread forms of medical malpractice found in the United States and can cause serious illness, injury, and even death. Medication errors have become far too common in our society. These errors have affected over 100,000 individuals and have even claimed the lives of approximately 7,000.
A number of different negligent behaviors committed by a health professional can cause a medication error. In addition to simply prescribing a faulty or incorrect medication, a medication error can occur when too much of a prescription is given, allergies and other complications are not taken into account, or the weight and age of a person are not considered. Medication errors occur at an alarming rate and are seen daily in hospitals, pharmacies, nursing homes, doctor's offices and at home.
While people of all ages can be adversely affected by medication error, children are at a particularly high risk for dangerous side effects. Children have not developed their immune systems or chemical tolerance enough at a young age, and are unable to process and handle a medication error, as an adult might be able to handle this exposure. When prescribing a medication to a child, it is especially important to take the child's size, weight and age into consideration to determine the proper dosage.
Nurses and doctors typically abide by a 5 R's test when prescribing any medication. This helpful test verifies the right medication, right patient, right dosage, right route, and right time. When there is a breach of this standard of prescribing, a medication error can occur, leaving the patient at risk for serious and fatal side effects. A medical malpractice lawyer can help you determine if a medication error caused your illness, and assist you in determining how to protect your legal interests.
Studies have shown that as many as nine out of ten medication errors could have been avoided with proper care. Negligence often leads to medication errors, but sometimes the problem can be caused by something as simple as illegible handwriting. A patient has a reasonable expectation that their doctor will provide them with quality and safe care.
Like many personal injury cases, a medication error lawsuit is subject to a statute of limitations. It is important to file a claim as soon as you realize that you have been injured by the negligence of your doctor, pharmacist or health professional.
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