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February 13, 2019

When is a medication error considered medical malpractice?

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Posted in Wisconsin Workers Compensation Related News

Medical Malpractice Attorney

If you experienced a significantly worsened or new condition as a result of a medication error, consider contacting our medical malpractice attorney to schedule a free consultation. Medication errors harm around 1.5 million Americans annually. There are several ways in which a medication error can take the form of medical malpractice so it’s important to understand who may have been liable for hurting you. A law firm can help. They represent injury victims who were harmed as a result of negligent or careless treatment by medical providers, whether it’s a doctor, hospital, nurse, or pharmacist. There is a limited time in which to file a claim for compensation, so do not delay in contacting a medical malpractice attorney.

How do medication errors occur?

A medical malpractice attorney can represent victims regardless of how their medical provider harmed them. There are many ways that medication errors can occur and they happen often. Here are some of the most common scenarios of medication errors and how they may be considered medical malpractice in some instances:

  • The doctor prescribed the patient the wrong type of medication for their condition. As a result, the condition becomes far worse.
  • The doctor prescribed a type of medication that might be harmful to the patient because of a known conflict with other medications they’re taking or a medication they had informed the doctor they’re allergic to.
  • The doctor prescribed dosages that were too small or too large.
  • The doctor failed to warn the patient about the possible side effects of the medication they prescribed to them.
  • The pharmacist used the wrong ingredients when creating prescription medication.
  • The pharmacist used the wrong amounts of one or more ingredients when creating prescription medication.
  • The pharmacist mislabeled the prescription bottle.
  • The nurse administered the incorrect type or amount of medication.
  • The nurse administered the medication in the wrong area of the body.
  • The hospital’s equipment that administers medications malfunctioned and as a result gave a patient too large a dose. Common examples of malfunctioning equipment are intravenous pumps with a defective valve or a defibrillator has a dead or weak battery.

Who is liable for a medication error?

Before filing a claim for medical malpractice, a lawyer will determine who is liable for the damages suffered by our client. In more complex cases, there may be more than one party. It could be any combination of the doctor, nurse, hospital, pharmacist, pharmacist’s assistant, or the pharmaceutical manufacturer.

What are my rights if I was injured by a medication error?

If a medication error was committed by your medical provider, whether they were your doctor, nurse, or another medical care professional, and it resulted in significant harm to you, contact a medical malpractice attorney. A complimentary consultation should shed light on the strength of your case and provide you with the clarity you need to move forward. If a law firm files a claim on your behalf, a medical malpractice lawyer will be aggressive in pursuing a settlement from the liable party for your damages.

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