Medication Errors

If a doctor makes an error in prescribing medication to a patient, it can pose a considerable threat to the health of the individual. An incorrect prescription can result in an overdose or drug interaction that can cause illness, long-term damage, disability, and in some cases, death. In instances in which the doctor prescribes an improper amount or improper medication, the patient may suffer serious harm from the failure to cure a curable disease.

As the patient is likely to lack an understanding of medical drugs and their effects, he or she is completely dependent on the doctor for the proper administration of medication. This dependency means that doctors, nurses, pharmacists and medical technicians have a professional and legal obligation to provide patients with the most diligent care possible. Any failure to perform as required can lead to a medical malpractice claim. If you or a family member has suffered because of medication errors, contact the Locks Law Firm today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our Pennsylvania, New Jersey or New York medical negligence and malpractice lawyers.

Symptoms of an Overdose

Overdose symptoms are highly dependent on a number of factors, including the type of drug and the amount taken. Some overdoses simply heighten the effects of the drugs, while others can cause death. There are some symptoms that are frequently associated with drug overdoses, though. You should become familiar with the information provided by many pharmacies about the side effects of drugs you are taking and the signs of overdose or allergic reaction. You should seek medical attention promptly if you believe that you have been prescribed an incorrect dose of medication and are experiencing unexpected symptoms.

Many cases resulting from medication errors occur because a nurse or pharmacist cannot read the prescription written by the doctor and choose an improper medication that has a similar name but a vastly different purpose.  Nurses and pharmacists should be suspicious if the medication does not seem appropriate for the patient's condition and double check the prescription with the doctor before administering it.

Doctors must also be aware of the other medications that you are taking as some medications, such as MAO Inhibitors, can cause serious complications if they are administered simultaneously with other medications. If serious harm results from the prescribing of medications known to adversely react with drugs already being taken there may be medical negligence.   

If you have suffered serious harm because a physician failed to prescribe medications in accordance with good medical practice, contact one of our law offices today. At the Locks Law Firm, our Pennsylvania, New Jersey and York medication errors lawyers can review your potential case and aggressively litigate on your behalf so that you receive the damages you deserve.

Diagnosing an Overdose

If you believe that you are suffering an overdose or allergic reaction, you should immediately contact your health care provider. He or she will have the experience, knowledge, and resources needed to determine whether you are, in fact, suffering as a result of medication errors. If you are asked to see a health care provider in person, a medical technician or nurse can look at your medical history and perform a physical examination, as well as test your blood to detect the presence of dangerous levels of drugs. A doctor may also order laboratory tests on the specific organs that may be affected by the drug taken. In order to ensure that this diagnostic process produces accurate results, it helps to provide the medical practitioners with as much information as possible, including the dates when the drug was taken and the amounts ingested.

If a health care provider determines that you have suffered what should have been a preventable adverse reaction to a drug due to a medication error you may be eligible for compensation. Contact the Locks Law Firm today to schedule a free, confidential consultation and case review.

Contact a Locks Law Firm Medication Error and Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Contact Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York medical negligence and malpractice lawyers at the Locks Law Firm if you have additional questions regarding an injury caused by medication errors, or if you would like to schedule a free, confidential consultation and case review.