Rhode Island Medication Error Attorneys

Medication Errors Are Preventable. If You Suffered Harm, Call Us at (401) 200-4059.

Healthcare providers have a responsibility to be diligent when providing medical care to patients. When they fail to meet this duty it is considered medical malpractice. One example of medical malpractice is medication errors, which can cause any range of problems for the patient, including overdose.

It’s incredibly easy for a physician to make a careless mistake in prescribing medication, or a nurse to administer the wrong dose. Administering the wrong medication can lead to tragedy, including the need for life-sustaining interventions.

What Is a Medication Error?

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. This can happen at any stage of the medication process, including prescribing, transcribing, dispensing, administering, or monitoring.

Doctors can make many types of medication errors, including:

• Prescribing the wrong medication
• Administering the wrong medication
• Prescribing the wrong dose
• Mislabeling the medication
• Prescribing medication the patient is allergic to, or failing to screen for the patient’s allergies
• Delivering medication that interacts negatively with the patient’s current medicines
• Failing to warn the patient about the possible side effects of their medication

Medication errors can occur due to various factors, including miscommunication, illegible handwriting on prescriptions, similar drug names or packaging, incorrect dosages, drug interactions, lack of proper patient information, or inadequate training of healthcare professionals. These errors can have serious consequences, ranging from mild discomfort to severe harm or even death.

According to a study by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine, more than 250,000 Americans die each year from medical errors, taking a back seat to heart disease and cancer only. Medical error has been defined as an unintended act or one that does not achieve its intended outcome, the failure of a planned action to be completed as intended, the use of a wrong plan to achieve an aim, or a deviation from the process of care that may or may not cause harm to the patient. Indeed, many medical errors do not result in death; however, the above referenced study focused on lethal errors only. Thus, the annual death toll of 250,000 – an immense figure – underrepresents the occurrence of harmful medical errors in the U.S.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Medication Errors?

Liability may fall on one or more parties involved in the medication process. Here's a breakdown:

• Healthcare Provider: The prescribing healthcare provider (such as a doctor or nurse practitioner) may be liable if they prescribe the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or fail to consider relevant patient factors (such as allergies or drug interactions).
• Pharmacist: Pharmacists can be held liable for medication errors if they dispense the wrong medication or dosage, mislabel the medication, or fail to provide proper counseling to the patient about how to take the medication safely.
• Hospital or Healthcare Facility: If the medication error occurs within a hospital or healthcare facility, the institution may bear liability for inadequate systems or protocols in place to prevent errors, insufficient staffing levels, or failure to properly train staff.
• Manufacturers: In some cases, medication errors may result from defects in the medication itself, such as unclear labeling, packaging issues, or problems with the drug formulation. In such instances, the manufacturer of the medication may be held liable.
• Patients: Patients may also bear some responsibility for medication errors, particularly if they fail to provide accurate information about their medical history, allergies, or other medications they are taking. Non-compliance with medication instructions may also contribute to errors.
• Other Healthcare Professionals: Other healthcare professionals involved in the medication process, such as nurses, pharmacy technicians, or physician assistants, may also be held liable if their actions or omissions contribute to a medication error.

If you or your loved one was a victim of medication errors, our Rhode Island medical malpractice lawyers can help. We can guide you through the process of pursuing justice and recovering compensation for any injuries or illnesses sustained.

How to Protect Yourself from Medication Errors

• Medication reconciliation. Practice “medication reconciliation” by sharing with your physician the names of all medications that you are taking, medications that you are allergic to or that have caused problems for you in the past, whether you have chronic/serious health problems and if you might become pregnant. Keep an up-to-date list of all your medications, including nonprescription and herbal products, to assist the “medication reconciliation” process.
• Communications. The best defense against medical errors is communication. If you do not understand something that your doctor or pharmacist says, ask for an explanation. Equally important, ask questions of your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns related to your treatment/medications.
• Do not assume. Treating with the wrong prescription or dosage could cause bodily harm or death. Therefore, always read the label on your prescription package to ensure that you have received the appropriate medication. Do not assume that you will receive the correct prescriptions/dosages from the pharmacy.
• Educate yourself. Do some independent research of your own. A simple “Google” search can provide you with some information about your medications and your own knowledge of the process may help your physician avoid medical errors in the future.

Contact Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. for a Free Consultation

Our law firm is well-versed in helping those who have suffered harm from medication errors and other forms of medical malpractice. We have a proven track record of success in recovering compensation for those who have been injured through another’s negligence. We will evaluate your case and guide you through the process of recovering compensation for lost wages, medical care, and pain and suffering.

Our Rhode Island medication error attorneys invite you to contact us at (401) 200-4059 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Get started on your medical malpractice case today to seek justice.