Being prescribed the wrong medication can be considered medical malpractice in a court of law. If you were severely harmed, you may have the right to recover compensation.
The Kansas City medical malpractice attorneys at Goza & Honnold are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Free consultation.
Call Your Doctor
If you took a prescription medication before discovering an error was made, call your physician or the pharmacist immediately to report the mistake and learn the potential side effects. Taking an incorrect medication can range from harmless to life-threatening. If you do experience any adverse symptoms, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
Additionally, you may need to reach your doctor for the correct prescription to treat your existing medical condition as soon as possible.
Gather Evidence
Hold onto the prescription bottle and any literature supplied to you by the pharmacy. Do not return the medication to the pharmacy, as this is critical evidence. Document the error as much as possible, which means get copies of or keep:
- Medical bills
- Original prescriptions
- Receipts for medications
- Medical records with your physician’s notes
- Detailed notes of your symptoms and how the medication error has impacted your daily life.
Speak to an Attorney
When you meet with a medical malpractice attorney, bring as much information and evidence on the medication error as possible. They will evaluate your case, explain precisely what you can expect and what steps to take next. Depending on the severity of your harm, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
Potential Liable Parties
Depending on the circumstances of your case, single or multiple parties could be liable for any injuries from medication errors, such as:
Medical Professionals
The physician who prescribed the medication or nurse who administered it may be liable. Healthcare providers have a duty to patients to prescribe and dispense the right medication and proper dose.
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Staff
Pharmacists and other staff members can also be liable if an error happens when distributing medication. They have a duty to ensure a patient’s prescription is filled with the right medication and dosage and double-check each one.
Hospitals
Hospitals can be vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees. They owe patients a duty of care to ensure they hire trained staff and continually monitor to ensure errors do not occur in their facility. However, hospitals and other medical facilities often escape hospital malpractice liability since many physicians are hired as independent contractors and are not considered employees.
Drug Manufacturers
Some medication errors are not caused by a physician or pharmacist but during manufacturing. The medication may be inherently dangerous or can become contaminated. In this case, the manufacturer can be held liable for resulting injuries.
Injured By a Medication Error? Speak to an Attorney Today
If a medication error injured you or a loved one, you have the right to hold the liable party accountable. With our help, we can determine who is responsible for your injuries. Call (913) 451-3433 or request a free consultation online today.