Medication Errors
New York Medication Errors Attorney
Syracuse, New York, Medical Malpractice Attorneys: Medication Errors
It's been estimated that medication errors injure as many as 1.5 million people every year in the U.S. Children face a three times greater risk for dangerous effects of a medication error than adults. In one study of patients admitted to hospitals in a major metropolitan city, one in ten patients was subjected to drug errors.
Medication errors can occur anywhere in the treatment process, from a doctor making an error when prescribing a drug, to a pharmacy filling the prescription incorrectly, to a nurse administering the drug incorrectly. More than a third of the time, the medication error involves giving the patient the wrong dose.
If you suffered a serious reaction, or a worsening of your medical condition because of a medication error in a hospital, clinic, at a pharmacy or nursing home, contact the medical malpractice lawyers at Powers & Santola, LLP, in upstate New York.
Powers & Santola, LLP, is one of New York's premier personal injury law firms. We have the experience and the resources to bring an effective case on your behalf. We have secured millions of dollars in compensation for seriously injured people. We can help you.
Common Causes of Medication Errors
Medication errors are avoidable and preventable. Many hospitals and pharmacies have put systems in place to reduce the possibility of errors in the filling of prescriptions and the administration of drugs. Any time a medication error occurs, the hospital, clinic or pharmacy should review its processes. Recent studies have concluded that medication errors occur most often as a result of:
- Illegible hand writing
- Misunderstanding abbreviations (for example, "mg" for micrograms being interpreted for milligrams, resulting in an overdose; or D/C for "discharge" being read as "discontinue")
- Drugs prescribed based on information provided over the phone and not on the doctor's personal examination of the patient or the chart
- Miscalculation of the dosage when mathematical calculations are required
- Administering the drug incorrectly: because of a failure to read the prescription closely or a failure to note the proper method of administration (oral, topical, inhaler, intramuscular or intravenous injection)
- Failure to read the patient's medical chart to note allergies, pregnancy, pre-existing medical conditions, drug interactions or other contraindications for a particular drug
- Failure to monitor patient for dangerous side effects or complications, and to take prompt action should a complication occur
Contact Us
If you or a loved one suffered injury because of a drug interaction, drug overdose or other type of medication error, talk to an experienced upstate New York medical malpractice lawyer. Contact Powers & Santola, LLP, online or call us toll-free at 866-689-9692. We have offices in Syracuse and Albany.
