A certain amount of trust between a patient and their doctor and their pharmacist must exist for medical care to be successful. However, if a doctor, pharmacist, or any other medical professional makes a mistake, patients can sustain serious harm. At The Doan Law Firm, we are here to help if you need a Houston medical malpractice attorney. We know how complex medical malpractice claims can be, and we are ready to step in and handle every aspect of the case on your behalf. Let us help you recover compensation for the medical error that caused you harm.
Turn to The Doan Law Firm for Help Today
At The Doan Law Firm, we get results for clients harmed due to the negligent actions of medical providers. We understand the complexities of medical malpractice cases.
Our team will handle your claim on a contingency fee basis, which means you will not owe a dime until after we successfully recover the compensation you need. If we do not win the case, you will not owe us anything.
We fight tenaciously for injury and medical malpractice victims so they can move forward with their lives in the best way possible. We can get started on your case today.
What Types of Medication Errors Occur and Who Commits Them?
Medication errors can occur at various stages of the prescribing and dispensing process, involving different medical professionals. Understanding the types of errors and the responsible parties is crucial for building a strong case.
Types of Medication Errors
While many types of errors can occur, the following are most likely:
Prescription Errors. These occur when a doctor prescribes the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or inappropriate form of medication for a patient’s condition. Prescription errors can result from misdiagnosis, lack of patient history, or simple clerical mistakes.
Dispensing Errors. Pharmacists can make errors when filling prescriptions, such as providing the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or mislabeled bottles. Dispensing errors can also involve failing to provide adequate instructions or warnings about the medication.
Administration Errors. These errors happen when healthcare providers, such as nurses or caregivers, incorrectly administer the medication. This includes giving the wrong drug, incorrect dosage, or administering the medication via the wrong route (e.g., oral instead of intravenous).
Monitoring Errors. After prescribing and administering medication, healthcare providers must monitor the patient’s response. Failing to monitor for side effects, interactions with other medications, or allergic reactions can lead to serious harm.
Responsible Parties
Some of the potential liable parties for a medication mistake include:
Physicians. Doctors are responsible for diagnosing conditions and prescribing appropriate medications. Errors at this stage can have severe consequences, especially if the wrong drug is prescribed for a serious condition.
Pharmacists. Pharmacists play a critical role in ensuring that prescriptions are filled accurately. Errors in dispensing medication can lead to patients receiving the wrong drug or dosage, causing harmful side effects or lack of treatment.
Nurses and Caregivers. These healthcare providers are often responsible for administering medications to patients. Mistakes in administration, such as incorrect timing or dosage, can have immediate and severe impacts.
Hospitals and Clinics. These institutions can be held liable for systemic issues, such as inadequate staffing, poor training, or lack of proper procedures, that contribute to medication errors.
Recovering Compensation for Victims of Medication Errors
Victims of medication errors can seek compensation for the damages they have suffered. The types of compensation available can help cover various aspects of the victim’s recovery and losses.
Medical Expenses. This includes costs for additional medical treatments, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing care required to address the harm caused by the medication error.
Lost Wages. If the medication error leads to time off work, victims can recover compensation for lost income. This also includes future lost earnings if the victim’s ability to work is permanently affected.
Pain and Suffering. Victims may secure financial compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the medication error. This can include compensation for anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
How a Houston Medication Error Attorney Can Help
Navigating the legal complexities of a medication error claim requires expertise and dedication. A skilled medical malpractice attorney in Houston can provide invaluable assistance throughout the process.
Case Evaluation. An attorney will review your situation, gather as much evidence as possible, and determine the strength of your claim. This includes obtaining medical records, expert testimonies, and any other relevant documentation.
Negotiation with Insurers. Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. An experienced attorney can handle the negotiations to help secure your compensation.
Legal Representation. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can take your case to court.
Experienced Network. Medical malpractice cases often require expert witnesses to establish the standard of care and demonstrate how it was breached. An attorney will have access to a network of medical experts who can support your claim.
Call a Medication Error Lawyer in Houston Today
If you have been harmed because of a medication mistake made by a medical professional, turn to the team at The Doan Law Firm today. We are standing by to offer a free consultation of your claim, and we can help. If you are entitled to compensation for your losses, we will stand up to the insurance carriers and legal teams on the other side so you can focus on recovering from the mistake and moving forward with your life. Contact our Houston medication error attorney today.