Representing Patients after Serious Mistakes with Medication
Statistics indicate that about 70 percent of people in the United States take at least one prescription medication, and many people take more than one. In addition, many hospital patients need a variety of medications to treat their conditions, ward off infections, relieve pain, and more.
While medications help people recover from and manage health issues, they also present the risk of complications and injuries should a doctor or nurse make a mistake. Medication errors cause many costly - and preventable - injuries to patients each year, and patients may face many losses as a result. In many cases, an injured patient has the right to hold a medical professional or pharmacy liable for their losses, and anyone who was the victim of a medication error - or who lost a loved one due to an error - should speak with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. Trial Lawyer David C. Chavexz is ready to help.
Medication Errors in the Hospital or by the Pharmacy
Whether patients have morphine drips, need antibiotics, or other types of medications, and hospital staff members may incorrectly administer many medications, and pharmacies may also misfill an order with the incorrect medication or dosage. These professionals are expected to keep clear records of what they give patients and check records before they administer anything. Many medication errors happen due to record-keeping mistakes, including:
Missing a necessary dose
Double-dosing
Overdosing
Administering the wrong medication to the wrong patient
Any of the above errors can cause serious complications, which can be life-threatening or fatal. After a medication error, a patient may have unexpected complications or allergic reactions.
Prescription Errors
Medication-related mistakes can happen outside the hospital, as well. There are many missteps a doctor or pharmacist can make when prescribing or filling a medication, including:
Failing to inquire about allergies
Failing to consider reactions with other drugs the patient is taking
Prescribing the wrong medication or wrong dosage
Not reviewing the patients medical history to identify possible risks
Accidental overdose
Death
Know Your Rights
After a medication error and resulting in tragic injury, you may have a valid claim for medical malpractice. Not every mistake is considered to be malpractice, and may be negligence, and you should have a personal injury lawyer review what happened and evaluate your rights. If a medical professionals actions fell below the required standard of care or made an error, you have the right to file a claim and seek compensation for the following that apply:
Medical expenses
Lost earnings
Future losses
Permanent injuries or conditions
Physical and mental pain and suffering
Wrongful death
Hedonic changes
Loss on consortium
Call The Right Medication Error Trial Attorney for Your Case
Medication errors can be complicated. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and their insurers try to avoid liability or responsibility whenever they can, so you need an experienced lawyer who will aggressively advocate for your rights. If you suffered a medication-related injury, call David C. Chavez Law Firm at 505-865-9696 or contact us online. Case evaluations are always free.
