Prescription errors are some of the most common medical mistakes and often result in serious and even fatal injuries. When a medication error is the result of a healthcare provider’s negligence, injury victims have a right to file a medical malpractice lawsuit to recover damages. If you or someone you loved has been harmed by a prescription error, Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman, can help.
Our firm regularly handles medical malpractice claims related to prescription errors in North Mississippi. Whether the medication error occurred at a pharmacy, doctor’s office, hospital, clinic, nursing home, or another healthcare facility, we have the skills and experience to hold the responsible party accountable.
When you become our client, you will work directly with an experienced prescription error attorney who will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
Common Prescription Medication Errors
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines a medication error as “any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm.” There are many types of prescription errors, including:
- Prescribing the wrong medication to a patient
- Administering or giving the wrong drug to a patient
- Administering the wrong dosage – too much or too little medication
- Prescribing medication to which the patient is allergic
- Prescribing medication that adversely interacts with other medications the patient is taking
- Mislabeling the medication
- Failing to warn the patient about the potential side effects of the medication
Because prescription errors are preventable, the responsible healthcare provider or entity that made the error can be held liable. The time limit to file a medical malpractice claim in Mississippi is two years from the date of injury or discovery, so you must act quickly. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start working on your claim.
Who Is Responsible For A Prescription Error?
Any party involved in prescribing and administering medication can be held liable for prescription errors, including:
Medical Professionals
Doctors and nurses can be held liable for prescribing the wrong medication as well as administering the wrong medication or dosage. Doctors must ensure they are prescribing the right medication and provide the right instruction to the pharmacy. If the pharmacist misreads the prescription, the patient may be given the wrong medication.
When administering medication prescribed by doctors, nurses must verify the information is correct and follow the instructions. For example, if the drug is being administered hypodermically, some drugs must be injected into the bloodstream, while others can only be injected into the muscle (e.g. vaccines).
The doctor or nurse who prescribed the medication must also inform the patient about common side effects of medications, as well as what types of foods the patient should avoid when taking a certain medication. Finally, if the drug is administered in the doctor’s office or hospital, staff must monitor the patient for any adverse reactions. Failing to do so, even if the right medication is given, may constitute negligence if the patient is harmed.
Pharmacists/Pharmacy Staff
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can be held liable for medication errors when prescriptions are being filled, such as providing the wrong medication or dosage, or providing a drug that the patient is allergic to or that causes an adverse interaction with other medications the patient is taking.
Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and pharmacies can be held liable for prescription errors made by their staff members under the legal doctrine of vicarious liability which holds employers liable for the misconduct of their employees. These healthcare entities owe patients a duty of care to hire qualified staff, provide them with proper training, and continuously monitor employees to ensure prescription errors do not occur.
Drug Manufacturers
Drug manufacturers may also be responsible for medication errors by filling a medication bottle with the wrong medication entirely, making medicine that is too potent or not potent enough, mislabeling medication, or allowing medication to become contaminated.
How Our Firm Can Help With A Prescription Error Claim
If you have been harmed due to a prescription error, let our attorneys handle all the details of your claim. We will investigate all medical and prescription records, identify the responsible party, interview witnesses, and help you obtain meaningful compensation. Depending on the circumstances, you may be awarded damages such as:
- Medical expenses – past and future
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If you have tragically lost a loved one because of a medication error, our wrongful death attorneys can help you obtain compensation for final medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and the support they would have provided. We understand the complexities of prescription error cases and will guide you every step of the way
At Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman, we believe that medical professionals must be held accountable for prescription errors that cause harm to patients. Our medical malpractice lawyers have a demonstrated track record of success and will make sure your rights are protected. Contact our office today to set up an appointment.
Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman helps those who are victims of prescription errors throughout Northern Mississippi including the cities of Southaven and Hernando as well as the counties of DeSoto, Marshall, Tate, and Tunica.
