New York Medication Malpractice Attorneys Hold Licensed Professionals To A Higher Standard
There are a lot of laws, regulations, and federal government oversight when it comes to prescription drugs, and it is all for a good reason. The strengths of prescription medicines are strong and, if prescribed by error, can lead to a fatal mistake. This is why the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) require professionals who prescribe drugs to be licensed and registered practitioners. Unfortunately, this hasn't prevented medical professionals from prescribing the wrong medicines and harming innocent people.
Doctors and Pharmacists Need To Remain Liable For Prescription Drug Errors
Prescription errors can lead to serious side effects, including death. If you believe that you or a loved one have been the victim of a prescription error, you should speak with an experienced medical malpractice attorney specializing in New York medication error lawsuits.
Pharmacist Prescription Errors: Pharmacist prescription errors can happen to anyone. Studies have shown that these errors are relatively common, occurring in about one out of every one hundred prescriptions. However, most of these errors are caught and corrected before the patient ever receives the medication.
There are several steps that pharmacists can take to avoid making errors, such as double-checking prescriptions against the patient's records and taking care to read the prescribing doctor's handwriting carefully.
However, even with these precautions, mistakes can still happen. That's why it's crucial for patients to be aware of potential errors and check their medications carefully before taking them. Doing so can help ensure they receive the correct medicines and avoid potential complications.
Doctor's Prescription Errors: According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, more than 7 million patients are impacted annually by medication errors, costing nearly $21 billion in medical expenses each year. The study reveals that many of these medication errors are "preventable errors," meaning they are considered primarily avoidable mistakes by licensed physicians.
What is a prescription drug error lawsuit?
A prescription drug error lawsuit is a legal action against a pharmaceutical company for injuries or damages caused by an error in the manufacturing, packaging, labeling, or prescribing of medication. Claims can be filed for injuries suffered by the patient taking the medication and for wrongful death if the medication error resulted in death.
How can you file a claim?
To file a claim, the injured party or their family must determine who is responsible for the mistake. Was it caused by the negligence of the pharmaceutical company, the doctor writing the prescription, or the pharmacy that filled the script? The injured party must gather evidence to support their claim, including medical records, expert testimony, and eyewitness accounts. Once the necessary evidence has been collected, the claim can be filed in court. The best way to accomplish any of this is to consult an experienced attorney who can guide you through the legal complexities of medical malpractice lawsuits and set your case up for success from the beginning.
What are the most common prescription drug errors?
Sometimes, the wrong medication is prescribed, leading to dangerous side effects. In other cases, the correct medicine is prescribed, but the dosage is incorrect. In both cases, the outcome can be unsafe. Even minor errors, such as incorrect spelling of a patient's name, can cause confusion and delay treatment. Some of the most common prescription drug errors include:
- prescribing the wrong type of medication
- prescribing the wrong dosage wrong
- duration of treatment
- failing to monitor a patient's reaction to a medication properly
- failing to educate a patient on how to take medication correctly
What to do if you experience a prescription drug error?
If you experience a prescription drug error, it is crucial to take action immediately. If you think the consequences could be fatal, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately. If it is not life-threatening, contact your doctor or pharmacists as soon as possible to discuss the error and determine if any changes need to be made to your medication regimen.
Sometimes, you may feel encouraged to file a lawsuit against the party responsible for the error. If you decide to file a lawsuit, there are a few things you will need to do.
First, you will need to gather evidence of the error. This can include medical records, prescriptions, and other documentation proving the error.
You will also need to prove that you have suffered damages from the error. This may include medical bills, lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, physical pain, and emotional trauma. Finally, you will need to find a qualified attorney who can help you navigate the legal process. If you have been a prescription drug error victim, don't hesitate to take action. By gathering evidence and finding a qualified attorney, you can hold the responsible party accountable and get the compensation you deserve. 718-424-5560