Do I Have a Malpractice Claim for a Medication Error in Florida?

When you are suffering from a physical injury or condition, getting the right prescription to help treat the symptoms and improve your condition can be a relief. However, this relief may be short-lived if the prescription you received was incorrect. It’s critical to understand that this is not a common error and should be taken incredibly seriously, as there are a number of issues that can arise as a result of a medication error. As such, if you are a victim of this negligence, the following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including your legal options. In addition, you’ll discover why working with an Indian River County medication error lawyer is in your best interest during these difficult times.

What Is Considered a Medication Error in Florida?

Despite the vast amount of medical literature and strict training that medical providers and pharmacists alike undergo regarding the dangers of the prescribing or dispensing the wrong medication, medication errors can and do happen. As such, some of the most common prescription errors include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prescribing the wrong medication
• Prescribing the wrong dosage
• Providing medication through the wrong channel (e.g., intravenously as opposed to orally)
• Failing to properly review for adverse medication interactions or allergies
• Typos or errors when transcribing medication into systems
• Giving medication at the wrong time
• Failing to provide medication when necessary
• Dispensing medications incorrectly (e.g., mislabeling bottles, dispensing the wrong medication)

As such, a medication error is any preventable action that leads to the improper, incorrect, or inappropriate administration of medication that results in harm to the patient.

What Complications Can Arise From These Mistakes?

There are a number of serious side effects that can arise if someone is prescribed the wrong medication. One of the most common issues, especially if the prescription is for the wrong dosage, is an overdose. When someone takes too much of a medication, it can lead to organ failure, which, in some instances, can be fatal. In other instances, this can lead to tissue damage, which can create chronic issues.

Another significant issue that can arise is the progression of the original condition that went untreated. If someone is prescribed the wrong medication, it will do nothing to treat the original issue, leading to the continued, untreated progression of the condition.

You may also find that, in the event a medication is improperly administered or prescribed to a patient who is allergic, it can result in a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.

Medication errors are almost always preventable if the medical providers and pharmacists follow their protocols and can cause irreparable harm. As such, if you are a victim of medication-related malpractice, understanding your legal options is critical. At Ullian Trial Law, our dedicated team will examine your unique situation to determine the best course of action to help you in the fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact our office today to learn more.