A study found that about 10% of deaths in the United States result from medical mistakes. The nation ranks third in terms of fatalities.
You put your trust in the medical professionals and pharmacists at a hospital or other healthcare facility to safely provide the medications you require. Unfortunately, you might occasionally put your trust in the wrong people. Numerous patients each year receive the incorrect treatment for their wounds and ailments.
There are several places where specialized Louisville medical malpractice attorneys have seen medication mistakes occur, including clinics, nursing homes, hospitals, pharmacies, and doctor’s offices. This type of medical negligence may cause fatalities or severe injuries.
Why Do Medication Mistakes Occur?
Medication errors can happen everywhere, including at home, the doctor’s office, the drugstore, the hospital, and even senior care facilities. Some of the causes of this are as follows.
Distractions
The demands on a physician’s time are tremendous and numerous. Sadly, this suggests they might occasionally write the wrong drug or dose. According to estimates, distractions account for 75% of all drug errors.
Limited Legibility
Doctors are notorious for writing complicated prescriptions. The patient could suffer grave consequences if a pharmacist tries to guess the dosage or type of medication. In reality, automated prescription writing has become commonplace, which lessens the risk.
Communication Issues
This could occur between a physician and a patient, between two physicians, or between a physician and a pharmacy. Drug abbreviations can further the confusion caused by drug names’ frequent similarity, which can lead to patient errors and injury.
What Penalties Do Medication Errors Carry Legally?
The degree of the patient injury, the type of error, and the state where the error happened can all affect the legal repercussions of drug errors. Legal repercussions that could occur include:
Patient Trust Loss
A pharmaceutical error can harm the patient-healthcare provider connection and cause a loss of confidence. The patient can potentially stop trusting the medical system and look for alternatives.
Civil Cases
A medical error can lead to a legal lawsuit being filed against the doctor, the hospital, or the drug maker. The patient or family member may file a claim for reimbursement of their medical costs, discomfort, lost wages, and other harms brought on by the mistake. The evidence, the legal standard of care, and the relevant legislation in each situation affect how a civil lawsuit turns out.
Criminal Punishment
If a medical professional makes a mistake with a drug that was willful, careless, or extremely negligent, they may be charged with a crime. Charges for assault, violence, manslaughter, or murder are possible. There may be fines, jail time, or both for criminal offenses.
Medical Board Penalties
A state medical board or agencies which oversee the health care provider’s license may take disciplinary action in response to a pharmaceutical error. Probation, reprimand, revocation, suspension, or other sanctions are just some possible corrective measures. The provider may experience adverse effects from the disciplinary action on their reputation, careers, and ability to practice medicine.
What Losses Are Recoverable in a Case of a Medication Error?
Calculating the financial losses you endured due to the wrongdoing is a helpful approach to determining a case’s value. Listed below are economic losses that can be used to calculate your potential compensation:
- Hospitalization and medical care are expensive.
- Cost of necessary future medical care or treatment
- Financial loss brought on by the healing procedure.
- Income loss in the future as a result of a long-term or even permanent handicap
- Loss of work or earning potential
- Emotional discomfort
- Distress and suffering
How To Seek Compensation After a Medication Error
Seeking compensation after a medication error is a critical step in ensuring that patients receive the necessary support and justice they deserve. To begin the process of a medical malpractice claim, it is crucial to gather all relevant medical records, prescriptions, and any evidence that demonstrates the error.
Consult with a qualified attorney experienced in medical malpractice cases, who can assess the details of your claim and guide you through the legal proceedings. Be prepared to provide a detailed account of the incident, including the harm or injuries suffered as a result of the medication error. Your attorney will represent you and help navigate the complex legal system, negotiating with healthcare providers and insurance companies to secure a fair settlement. Depending on the case, if necessary a medical malpractice attorney can help you pursue a lawsuit to hold the responsible parties accountable. Seeking compensation not only helps cover medical expenses and lost wages but also promotes patient safety and accountability within the healthcare system.
