Common Medication Errors

Medication errors are not uncommon and can happen in a number of settings including clinics

, hospitals and pharmacies. In the majority of cases they are also preventable errors. However, even a small mistake such as a misplaced decimal point can result in serious or even fatal consequences for the recipient and can constitute medical negligence.

What is medical negligence?

Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare provider injures a patient by failing to provide a standard of care. Healthcare providers owe patients a certain standard of duty. When actions or lack of actions are done in a negligent manner that results in injuries, the healthcare provider may be held liable for those injuries, including the medical treatments necessary to help correct the new injuries that have occurred.

Who can be held liable for medication errors?

Anyone who is involved in prescribing, dispensing or administering medication may be held liable when a medication error causes a serious injury. In addition, drug manufacturing companies can also be held responsible if it is found that the medication itself causes severe injuries.

Parties who may be held liable for a medication error include:

pharmacist;

doctor;

nurse;

manufacturer; and

hospital or clinic.

Medication errors are not always limited to just one party. As an example, if a doctor prescribes a certain medication but accidentally writes down an unsafe dosage, they may be held liable. If the pharmacist who filled the order fails to recognize that a dangerous dosage was prescribed and fills the prescription as is, they may also be held liable for any damages that result.

Common Types of Medication Errors

The most common types of medication errors are:

prescribing or administering the wrong drug;

prescribing or administering the wrong dosage of a drug;

names of medication are confused because of similarities;

poorly written prescription;

incorrect abbreviations;

wrong label is attached;

packaging is incorrect;

doctor is not up to date on any risks or warnings associated with the medication;

other medications or patient's medical history are not taken into account; and

misdiagnosis of medical condition, therefore, being given an unnecessary medication.

These are just some examples of the most common types of medication errors that can occur because of medical negligence. When this happens and a serious or fatal injury results, patients or their surviving family can pursue an Illinois medical malpractice claim.

Contacting an attorney is important if a patient decides to go ahead with an medical malpractice claim. These types of claims can be very complex and require time to collect the necessary evidence to support claims of medical negligence.

Copyright (c) 2010 Barry D

by: Barry D

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