Prescription Drug And Medication Errors: The High Cost Of Mistakes
When seeking medical care, we trust doctors and pharmacists to provide safe and effective treatment. Unfortunately, medication errors are alarmingly common, and the consequences can range from minor side effects to life-altering injuries or even death.
At Meagher & Meagher, P.C., our lawyers have been fighting for the rights of injured patients in White Plains and New York City for over 30 years. Our knowledgeable medical malpractice attorneys understand the devastating impact of prescription drug and medication errors. We are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and helping victims seek justice and compensation.
The Devastating Impact Of Medication Errors
Medication errors can occur at any stage of the prescription process, from the initial prescription by a doctor to the dispensing of medication by a pharmacist. Common types of errors include:
- Wrong medication: A patient receives a different medication than the one prescribed.
- Incorrect dosage: A patient receives too much or too little medication.
- Drug interactions: A patient receives medications that interact negatively with each other.
- Mislabeling: A medication is mislabeled with incorrect instructions or warnings.
These errors can have serious consequences, including:
- Adverse drug reactions: Patients may experience harmful side effects, allergic reactions or new medical conditions.
- Worsening existing conditions: Medication errors can exacerbate health problems and delay recovery.
- Hospitalization or prolonged treatment: Patients may require additional medical care to address the consequences of a medication error.
- Permanent disability or death: In some cases, medication errors can result in life-altering injuries or fatalities.
The impact of medication errors can be far-reaching, affecting not only the individual patient but also their families and loved ones. In addition to the physical and emotional toll, medication errors can lead to significant financial burdens due to medical expenses, lost wages and other costs associated with recovery.
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable
When medication errors occur, it’s crucial to determine who is responsible. Liability may lie with:
- Physicians: Doctors may be liable for medication errors, such as prescribing the wrong drug or dosage or failing to consider potential drug interactions.
- Pharmacists: Pharmacists may be liable for errors in dispensing medications, such as providing the wrong medication or dosage or failing to provide adequate warnings and instructions.
- Hospitals or clinics: Health care facilities may be liable for systemic errors that contribute to medication errors, such as inadequate staffing, training or supervision.
Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to identify all responsible parties and build strong cases to pursue maximum compensation for our clients.
Answers To Common Questions
We understand that navigating the aftermath of a medication error can be confusing and overwhelming. Here are answers to some questions we frequently encounter:
What are some types of prescription drug errors, and what are their consequences?
Common errors include dispensing the wrong medication, incorrect dosage and failure to identify potential drug interactions. Consequences can range from mild side effects to severe health complications or even death.
How can I identify whether an error has occurred with my prescription?
Carefully review your prescription and medication labels. If you experience unexpected side effects or your condition worsens, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Who is legally responsible for prescription drug errors, and how is liability determined?
Liability depends on the specific circumstances of the error and may involve physicians, pharmacists or health care facilities. Our attorneys can help determine liability and pursue claims against all responsible parties.
Seeking Justice For Medication Errors
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a prescription drug or medication error, we encourage you to contact us. Our attorneys at Meagher & Meagher, P.C., are dedicated to helping victims of medical malpractice obtain the justice and compensation they deserve. Call us at 914-246-2958 or complete our online form to schedule an appointment. We are located in White Plains and serve clients throughout New York.