Medical Malpractice Claims for Prescription Errors
Acts of medical negligence can take many forms. Performing surgery on the wrong site in the body, leaving surgical equipment in a patient after surgery is complete, errors involving the patient’s medication, failing to obtain the patient’s consent to a procedure, and making a diagnosis without ordering the necessary tests or thoroughly examining the patient’s medical history alongside his or her symptoms can all lead to injuries and worsened conditions. This is grounds for a medical malpractice claim, a type of personal injury claim through which an injured patient can seek compensation for his or her damages following an act of medical negligence.
One type of medical malpractice claim is a medication error claim. When a patient is prescribed too much, too little, or an inappropriate type or dosage of medication, he or she can potentially die. In less critical cases, the patient can suffer worsened or new health problems because of the error.
Can I Seek Compensation if I am Prescribed Too Much or Too Little Medication?
Yes. Anytime you suffer an injury or worsened health condition because of a healthcare provider’s negligence, you are entitled to seek compensation for your damages through a medical malpractice claim.
The negligent healthcare provider can be a physician, a nurse, a pharmacist, hospital administration staff, or even the manufacturer or distributor of your medication. This is because a medication error can occur at any point between your diagnosis and when you receive the drug. Your doctor might prescribe medication that you cannot take due to allergies or prescribe the wrong type of medication for your condition. If the medication is administered by a nurse, the nurse might accidentally give you the wrong medication or an incorrect dose. A pharmacist might fill your prescription incorrectly or a tech might mix your prescription up with another patient’s.
The Most Commonly Misprescribed Drugs in America
One common cause of medication errors is mixing up drugs with similar-sounding names. For example, Durasal and Durezol can easily be confused.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) keeps a list of the most frequently misprescribed drugs in the country. Many are due to similar-sounding names. Some are due to similar-looking bottles and a few are often administered incorrectly. When you are prescribed medication, check the label carefully before you consume it. If you are ever not completely clear about how to take the medication, clarify this with your doctor. Communication can reduce your chance of suffering from a medical error.
Work With Our Team of Brooklyn Medical Malpractice Lawyers
A prescription error can seriously harm you. Too little medication can be ineffective, potentially causing your condition to become worse and require more intensive treatment to correct. Too much can overwhelm your body and cause irreparable damage, even death. If you suffered a worsened health condition because of a physician’s misprescription, contact our team of medical malpractice lawyers at Peters Berger Koshel & Goldberg, P.C. to set up your initial consultation in our office to discuss your rights and options.