Medication errors are serious matters that can worsen a condition, create a new one, or injure a patient. If you’ve been harmed by a healthcare professional's mistake with your medication, it’s important you understand how they can happen and what your first steps should be.
Understanding Medication Errors
A medication error is a preventable mistake that can occur in a great number of scenarios by many different medical professionals, including when:
- A pharmacist mislabels a medication
- A doctor prescribes the wrong medication or an incorrect dosage
- A nurse administers the wrong medication or incorrect dosage
- A doctor fails to take drug interactions into account when prescribing a new medication
- A doctor fails to review a patient’s allergies when prescribing a new medication
- A medical professional fails to warn a patient of potential side effects when prescribing a new medication
Additionally, it’s important to note that medication errors can occur throughout the time a patient is in the care of a medical professional and do not only occur with prescription drugs at home. Errors can also happen with chemotherapy drugs or other drug-related treatments.
What to Do After a Medication Error
There are steps you can take to help prevent a medication error, but it’s important you know that if a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other medical staff member does commit an error, you should do the following:
- Call a lawyer. Whether you consider the error minor or major, it’s smart to get in contact with an attorney who can help you understand what just happened, give you the legal advice you need, and help you report to the proper authorities.
- Seek medical attention. Drugs can be dangerous. Especially if the error has caused you further injury or worsened a condition, it’s important you find a doctor who can correct the issue.
- Document evidence. Keep any medication bottles given to you, obtain copies of medical records and orders, and get a letter from your employer if you’ve had to miss work.
Your Attorney Is Your Advocate
If you suspect that your injury or illness is the result of a medication error, an attorney can help. The legal team at Tavss Fletcher can review the details of your case and explain your options. To get started, fill out the online contact form on our website today.
|
Related Links: |