Medication errors can happen for many reasons. Although uncommon, these mistakes can have a wide range of consequences, from nausea to severe organ damage. Therefore, it is essential that the drugs you receive from a doctor are the appropriate prescription and dosage.
While the legal duty ultimately falls on the physician or pharmacist, you can also prevent harm by taking a few moments to check your prescription each time you take it. When injuries occur because of the carelessness of a medical professional, you have the right to pursue compensation to cover your injuries and losses by bringing a medical malpractice claim. Contact a New Orleans prescription error lawyer to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal rights.
What Are the Possible Signs of Prescription Errors?
Prescription errors can occur during the process of prescribing, dispensing, or administering medication to patients, and these mistakes can have severe consequences. Some errors are more apparent, such as bottles displaying the incorrect drug or patient details, but some are more challenging to identify. The following issues could be a sign of a prescription error:
- Unfamiliar drug packaging or names, which could indicate a generic drug, new packaging, or an error
- Wrong dosage, including strength or quantity
- New and unusual side effects, particularly those that are severe, including the sudden onset of nausea and vomiting, and severe headaches
- Allergic reactions, including breathing difficulty, hives, or swelling, that occur because a medical professional failed to review your records
- An illness or condition does not improve or even worsens after starting a medication
- Excessive fatigue and feelings of lethargy beyond what you would typically experience or expect
- Cognitive issues, such as memory or concentration trouble, confusion, or dizziness
- Rapid heartbeat, palpitations, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, and chest pain
Taking the wrong medication or dosage for prolonged periods could also result in organ damage or failure, and symptoms such as persistent pain could be a sign of problems. During your consultation with our New Orleans attorney, we can review the details of your prescription error case and answer your specific questions.
Physician and Pharmacist Liability
Supplying patients with improper medications or doses and other dispensing mistakes can have severe or deadly outcomes and lasting consequences. Warning a patient of the potential for medication side effects is also crucial. When errors occur, doctors, pharmacists, and other medical professionals can face legal trouble, fines, or other consequences, including medical malpractice lawsuits.
A study by the National Library of Medicine highlights the more common and persistent errors that occur, even when facilities and pharmacies have safety and quality control systems in place. The typical human errors leading to civil action include providing a patient with the wrong drug or dose and failure to identify an overdose. Unfortunately, a significant portion of the medication-related deaths in recent years were preventable.
To avoid injuries and malpractice lawsuits, the guidance provided includes clear roles and requirements to ensure a provider fulfills their duty to warn of potential issues or errors, such as excessive dosing. Providers must also double-check medication dosages and document all advice and warnings provided to patients while filling or administering prescriptions. Our knowledgeable New Orleans lawyer can offer support, answer questions, or guide you to the appropriate resources to assist in your prescription error case.
Speak to a Knowledgeable Prescription Error Attorney in New Orleans
The signs and symptoms of medication mistakes can be challenging to identify. While you can help protect yourself by reviewing the details of the drugs you take, the prescriber is responsible for protecting you from avoidable harm. You may be eligible for monetary damages if you suffered harm as a result of a healthcare providerʼs or pharmacistʼs negligence.
To learn more and to discuss your case, call the team at Sangisetty Law Firm today to speak with our skilled New Orleans prescription error lawyer. Our team is accepting clients throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.