A medication error can have devastating consequences, from harmful drug interactions to life-threatening complications. These errors — whether involving incorrect dosages, administering the wrong medication, or failing to account for allergies — occur far too often in healthcare settings.
Understanding how these mistakes happen and what steps can be taken to prevent them is crucial in ensuring the safety of your loved ones. If an error does occur, knowing your legal rights can help you seek justice.
Understanding the Causes of Medication Errors
Medication errors can arise due to various factors, including:
Communication Issues
Miscommunication between healthcare providers and patients is a leading cause of medication errors. Illegible handwriting, incorrect abbreviations, and misunderstood verbal orders can all lead to dangerous mistakes. Nearly 50% of all medication errors occur when a medication is prescribed or ordered.
Workplace Environment
High-stress environments, heavy workloads, and frequent interruptions increase the risk of human error. When healthcare professionals are overworked, the likelihood of a medication error rises significantly.
System Failures
Lack of proper protocols, inadequate staff training, and technical issues with prescription systems can also contribute to medication errors. If a hospital or pharmacy lacks safeguards to catch potential mistakes, patients may suffer the consequences.
Being aware of these causes is the first step in preventing errors. Patients and their families can take proactive measures to safeguard against these risks.
Proactive Steps to Prevent Medication Errors
While patients rely on healthcare professionals for accurate prescriptions, families can also take steps to reduce the risk of errors.
Maintain an Updated Medication List
Keep a detailed record of all prescribed and over-the-counter medications, including dosages and frequencies. This ensures healthcare providers have accurate information when prescribing new treatments.
Use a Single Pharmacy
Filling all prescriptions at one pharmacy allows pharmacists to cross-check medications for potential drug interactions, enhancing overall safety.
Ask Questions
Never hesitate to ask questions about a prescription. Understanding the purpose, potential side effects, and proper dosage of a medication can help catch errors before they cause harm.
By staying informed and proactive, you can help protect your loved ones from unnecessary risks.
Seeking Legal Help: What to Do After a Medication Error
Even with precautions, medication errors can still happen. If a medication error leads to serious harm, legal action may be necessary to seek compensation and hold the responsible party accountable.
Finding the Right Medical Malpractice Attorney
Hiring an experienced attorney is essential when pursuing a medical malpractice claim. Here are a few tips for selecting the right lawyer:
- Check Credentials: Look for attorneys with experience handling medication error cases and positive client reviews.
- Prepare Questions: Ask about legal fees, case timelines, and the strategy for pursuing your claim.
- Ensure Comfort and Confidence: You should feel confident that your attorney will advocate for your loved one’s rights.
A qualified attorney will guide you through the legal process, gather evidence, and negotiate on your behalf to secure the compensation your family deserves.
Fighting for Justice: Preventing and Addressing Medication Errors
No family should have to suffer due to a medication error caused by negligence. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps, you can reduce the chances of harm. If an error does occur, seeking legal representation is crucial to ensuring accountability and justice. Taking action today can help protect your loved ones and prevent future medical mistakes.
At Siri & Glimstad LLP, we are dedicated to helping families seek justice in medical malpractice cases. For help with this or any medical malpractice questions you may have, fill out the form here to schedule a time to speak with a qualified medical malpractice attorney. It has never been more important to have a knowledgeable and compassionate advocate on your side.
