At Saffren and Weinberg, Marc Alan Weinberg, Attorney and Kenneth Scott Saffren, Attorney are partners. The firm’s tagline is “The People’s Voice In Court.” They make themselves available via phone at (215) 576-0100 or by email on the Saffren and Weinberg website. Saffren and Weinberg provides a no-charge, complimentary case review and answers questions for prospective clients.
Medical Malpractice: Common Errors in Prescription Medication
We trust our medical practitioners and caregivers and rely on them for the betterment of your health. But what if these very same people are resulting in fatal consequences? It is shocking, but medical malpractice is a reality. Around 1.5 million people in the US have suffered due to medical negligence, which could have been avoided.
In fact, statistics show that errors caused by healthcare providers have amounted to more deaths than any other cause. Medical malpractice in the form of prescription errors creates a financial burden and health issues for the patient and even wrongful death in some cases. If you or any of your loved ones have been a victim of medical malpractice, do not leave it to fate; seek legal advice from a malpractice lawyer as early as possible.
Know more about prescription errors
Medical negligence, that is carelessness on the healthcare providers’ part may not be intentional most of the time, but it can also not be excused. A simple error can cause someone their life and, that is why healthcare professionals cannot afford to be sloppy. One of the most widespread forms of medical practice is in the form of prescription errors.
There are different types of prescription errors. It can be when a patient is administered incorrect dosage or even the wrong medicine. The presence or absence of an extra alphabet in a medicine’s name can also prove fatal. Wrong dosages of a prescribed medicine can also create serious damage to a patient.
Another form of prescription error is incorrect labeling of the medication which can either be the manufacturer’s or pharmacist’s fault.
A healthcare provider is expected to prescribe medicines that will help you recuperate sooner. If their prescription makes your condition deteriorate or causes side effects, then the healthcare provider has not only breached your trust but has also shown gross negligence in their duty.
For example, if the medicines prescribed to you have ingredients you are allergic to or, if the medicine interferes with any other illnesses or medications, it can prove fatal to your life or leave you with irreversible damages.
Though most states are moving to electronic prescriptions, handwritten ones could cause prescription errors due to the incoherent handwriting of the doctors. The name may be correctly written, but the pharmacist could misread it and mistake it for some other medicine which may be a poison for your condition.
Also, your doctor should warn you about any side effects of the medicines you are taking and also if there are any dietary changes that you need to be adhering to.
All these are included as prescription errors, which mean, if you or any of your near ones have been a victim of the same, then you are liable for a medical malpractice claim. Also, remember to keep your eyes and ears open when you or your family have been admitted to a hospital. Ask relevant questions and try to understand your treatment procedure.
Legal course in case of prescription errors
A prescription error can be due to the negligence of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, the hospital or the drug manufacturer. In such a case, you should seek the advice of a medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible.
Attorneys experienced in such cases will help you prove that it was a case of medical negligence. Since every aspect of medications and treatment is documented, these data are of utmost importance. So, always try to preserve all your prescriptions.
In case, any additional information is required, your lawyer can collect all the papers to prove that you have suffered irreparable damages which were certainly not your fault.
The lawyers will evaluate the case and also investigate on their part so that you can file a foolproof case. They will also help you get the opinion of medical experts who can put forth medical testimony which will make your case all the more stronger. They can also be your representative while dealing with insurance companies.
In the situation that your case reaches a trial, a medical malpractice attorney can also fight your case in the courtroom so that you get justice and the rightful compensation. Medical negligence is a serious offense, and when you win your case, it will also serve as a deterrent in future, thus saving many precious lives.
Saffren & Weinberg can help you with your medical malpractice case. If you suspect medical malpractice in your case, get in touch with us immediately at (215) 576-0100, to get all your queries answered.
