The National Library of Medicine defines medical malpractice as “any act or omission by a physician during treatment of a patient that deviates from accepted norms of practice in the medical community and causes an injury to the patient.” This can include medication errors, which are more common than you might think in today’s healthcare system.
Even if one of these mistakes or negligence does not lead to a fatality, they can cause serious harm to patients, including long-term injuries, disabilities, and other impairments. But how do medication errors even happen in the first place?
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Incorrect diagnosis
For the prescribed medication to work correctly, it must be appropriate for the actual illness, injury, or underlying condition. Many times, healthcare professionals get the diagnosis wrong and compound the problem by prescribing medication that doesn’t match. On a smaller scale, think about being prescribed anti-viral medication for the flu when you really have early-stage pneumonia. This can lead to ineffective or potentially dangerous treatment.
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Illegible prescriptions
Despite the increasing use of electronic systems, handwritten prescriptions still exist. In these scenarios, all it takes is one poorly written note for a pharmacist to misread a drug name or dosage. This is especially true for those medications that have similar names and packaging, leading to mixups that can put your life or the life of a loved one in danger.
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Wrong dosage or errors in administration
Too much or even too little of a prescribed medication can lead to all kinds of health issues. The same is true if the right medicine is prescribed but is ultimately administered incorrectly or dangerously. How does this happen, though? It can be as simple as a misunderstanding of patient details, such as age, weight, or existing conditions. It could also be a miscalculation on your doctor’s part, such as administering a drug at the wrong time or frequency.
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Incomplete or inaccurate patient handoffs
We have all been in a situation where the responsibility for our care is transferred from one provider to another. During these exchanges, a detailed conversation should be held about the patient’s condition, treatment plan, or medication regimen. The original provider will also likely take thorough notes on the patient’s chart. That way, everything is documented, and the new provider can seamlessly pick up where the other left off. Many times, these details can be miscommunicated or omitted entirely. For instance, a doctor may write down the wrong dosage on a patient’s chart or forget to provide instructions regarding a patient’s existing allergy to a certain medication.
How You Can Protect Yourself or a Loved One
You do have more control over potential medication errors and medical malpractice than you might think.
Here are a few tips to consider:
- Do your research — These days, online reviews, patient testimonials, doctor credentials, hospital ratings and accolades, and more can help you make the best decision for your needs.
- Be an active participant in your care — Do not hesitate to ask questions, speak up when something does not sound right, and ask for a second opinion. Keep track of your symptoms and changes in condition so that you can describe what is happening.
- Don’t take medications and prescriptions blindly — Confirm that you received the correct prescription and dosage based on your conversation with the doctor, and ask about potential side effects. Furthermore, give your doctor a detailed list of medications you are taking. This ensures they do not prescribe something that may not mix well with your current medications.
- Be knowledgeable — Before accepting any medication, ensure you know the risks and benefits and how often you should be taking them. If you are uneasy, ask for alternative treatment options.
- Bring a trusted advocate — If you are in a position where you need additional guidance, bring a family member or friend to ensure no question goes unasked. They can take notes for you, speak on your behalf, and speak up if something seems incorrect.
- Know your legal rights — If you suspect medical malpractice, take action immediately. Document everything, including dates, times, treatments, conversations, etc. Report serious concerns to the state medical boards and hire an attorney.
In conclusion, please do not hesitate to contact a medical malpractice attorney for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been involved in one of these horrific medication error claims. We will work tirelessly to investigate your case, identify all responsible parties, and hold them accountable for your injuries and losses. We will also work with outside medical specialists and other experts to build a strong case that supports your claim. You deserve compassionate and knowledgeable legal advice, and we are here to help.
Call Keys Law Offices Today!!
At Keys Law, we are dedicated to representing victims of medical malpractice and their families. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We will fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. We will handle all aspects of your case, from negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, if necessary. We understand that the legal process can be overwhelming, particularly for those navigating the aftermath of medical malpractice. That is why we will keep you informed every step of the way, so you always know what is happening with your case.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
Our staff is always available. Call us today!