Medication Errors
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Taos County Medication Error Lawyer
Did You Suffer an Injury Due to a Medication Error in New Mexico?
When you are prescribed medication, you trust that the doctor, nurse, and pharmacist are all competent and will ensure that you are given the right medication. Medication errors can be devastating, causing serious injury and even death. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a medication error, it is important to take action.
At James Wood Law, we have more than 40 years of combined legal experience and are committed to helping victims of medication errors fight for the justice and compensation they are owed. We understand the impact a medication error can have on your life, and we are here to help you navigate the legal process from start to finish.
Call our Taos County medication error attorney today at (505) 906-6774 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Types of Medication Errors
A medication error is a preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm while the medication is in the control of the healthcare professional, patient, or consumer. These errors can occur at any stage of the medication process, from prescribing and dispensing to administration and monitoring.
Common types of medication errors include:
Prescription Errors:
Incorrect dosage prescribed
Wrong medication prescribed
Incorrect frequency or duration of treatment
Dispensing Errors:
Providing the wrong medication or dosage to the patient
Incorrect labeling of medications
Medication Administration Errors:
Giving the wrong medication to the patient
Administering the medication via the wrong route (e.g., oral instead of intravenous)
Administering the medication at the wrong time
Monitoring Errors:
Failure to monitor for potential side effects or complications
Inadequate follow-up to assess the medication's effectiveness
Documentation Errors:
Inaccurate recording of medication orders or administration in medical records
Failure to document a medication error when it occurs
Communication Errors:
Poor communication between healthcare professionals regarding medication information
Lack of patient education and communication about proper medication use
Storage Errors:
Inappropriate storage of medications, leading to degradation or contamination
Failure to follow proper storage conditions (e.g., temperature requirements)
Allergic Reactions and Adverse Drug Events:
Administering a medication to which the patient is allergic
Adverse drug reactions due to lack of awareness or monitoring
Equipment and Technology Errors:
Malfunctioning of medication administration devices or infusion pumps
Misprogramming automated dispensing systems
Overuse or Underuse:
Overprescribing or overuse of medications
Failure to prescribe necessary medications or underuse of prescribed medications
When a medication error is made, it can result in serious injury and even death. Victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries.
Who is Liable for a Medication Error?
Liability for a medication error can extend to various individuals or entities involved in the healthcare process. The specific parties held liable may depend on the circumstances of the error.
Here are some potential entities that could be held responsible:
Prescriber (Physician, Nurse Practitioner, etc.): If the error originates from a mistake in the prescription, such as an incorrect dosage or medication, the prescriber may be held liable for the error.
Pharmacist: Pharmacists are responsible for accurately dispensing medications based on prescriptions. If there's an error in dispensing, such as providing the wrong medication or dosage, the pharmacist may be held liable.
Nursing Staff: Nurses who administer medications are responsible for ensuring that the right medication is given to the right patient, in the right dosage, and through the correct route. Errors in medication administration may lead to liability for the nursing staff.
Healthcare Facility: The healthcare facility, such as a hospital or clinic, can be held liable for medication errors if there are systemic issues, such as inadequate training, faulty processes, or insufficient safeguards to prevent errors.
Manufacturers: In cases where the medication error results from a defect in the medication itself, such as a manufacturing error or inadequate labeling, the pharmaceutical manufacturer may be held liable.
Health Information Technology (HIT) Providers: If the error is related to issues with electronic health records (EHRs) or other health information technology systems, the providers of these systems may face liability.
Individual Practitioners: Other healthcare professionals involved in the patient's care, such as medical assistants or physician assistants, may also be held liable if they contribute to a medication error.
Third-Party Contractors: Some healthcare facilities may use third-party vendors for services like medication dispensing or administration. If an error occurs due to the actions of these contractors, they may be held liable.
Regulatory Bodies: Regulatory bodies may take action against healthcare professionals or facilities if they find violations of standards or regulations related to medication safety.
How a Medication Error Attorney Can Help
Medication error cases can be complex, but you do not have to navigate the legal process on your own. When you work with James Wood Law, you can trust that we have your best interests in mind. We will thoroughly investigate the cause of the medication error and gather the necessary evidence to prove that the error was the result of negligence.
Our team can help you gather the necessary documents to prove that you suffered harm as a result of the medication error, such as medical records and medical bills. We can also help you calculate the full extent of your damages to ensure that you are not left paying for any of your medical expenses out of pocket. At James Wood Law, we are committed to helping victims of medication errors fight for the justice and compensation they are owed.
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