Unfortunately, medical mistakes happen. One of the most common reasons for medical malpractice is when there is medication error, which impacts more than 7 million patients in the US annually.
A medication error is when a healthcare professional does not correctly prescribe, distribute, or monitor prescription drugs or other medications. And as a result, it causes harm to the patient or there is a potential for harm. This can lead to medical malpractice lawsuits as a result of personal injury. In modern healthcare settings, the use of advanced technology, such as a medication scanner, can significantly reduce the risk of medication errors. Prescribing the wrong medication is a common form of medical malpractice, but it’s so easy to avoid with the right tools.
Read on to learn the six most common prescription drug errors that occur. Understanding these errors is essential for both healthcare professionals and patients, as it empowers individuals to actively participate in their care and advocate for safe medication practices. By recognizing these common mistakes, you can take proactive steps to prevent medication errors and ensure your well-being.
Contents
1. Prescribing the Wrong Dose
The doctor or other medical professional may prescribe an incorrect dose of medication, meaning the patient receives too much or too little. This can lead to a medical malpractice lawsuit with a personal injury attorney. The main risks of prescribing the wrong dose are overdose or a patient not getting sufficient treatment for a condition, which can lead to health consequences.
2. Prescribing the Wrong Medication
One of the most common drug errors is prescribing the wrong medication. The result is that it will not treat the condition. However, there is also a risk it could worsen the condition or cause further harm, such as an allergic reaction or interaction with another medication.
3. Medication Administration Errors
Medical malpractice lawsuits often involve medication administration errors. For example, nurses or other medical staff may administer medication incorrectly, give the wrong dose, an out-of-date dose, or give it to the wrong patient. Or it could be a pharmacy error.
4. Failing to Consider Medical Conditions
Similar to prescribing the wrong medication, another medication error is when a doctor does not consider a patient’s medical history. They may prescribe a drug that interacts with another prescription or an allergy. It can lead to severe long-term effects, injuries, and even be fatal.
5. Not Monitoring Prescription Drugs
Failing to monitor a patient’s response to a prescription drug. Aftercare is essential to ensure a patient is aware of side effects and is managing the medication. Ignoring this step can lead to a medical malpractice lawsuit if they suffer ill effects.
6. Frequency Issues
There are many different types of drug errors that occur with prescriptions. A common one is that the drug is prescribed at the wrong frequency, or a pharmacy error occurs. For example, the pharmacist may read the prescription wrong and advise the wrong frequency.
Medication Error Medical Malpractice Claims
Unfortunately, a medication error can occur for various reasons, including poor communication, overworked staff, and lack of attention. Hopefully, you or a loved one never experiences a medication error. However, if you do, you can consider a medical malpractice lawsuit.
While these are common drug errors, every case is unique. Find a reputable personal injury lawyer to advise you on your specific case. They can help you determine if you can file a claim and how to do so successfully.
Did you like this article? We have more law and health articles to explore; check them out!
