Medication Errors Can Have Life-Altering Outcomes

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Medications play a crucial role in controlling health conditions and enhancing life quality. Yet, the slightest error in medication can have grave repercussions. When residents of Florida are prescribed medication, they anticipate benefits rather than harm. Regrettably, errors with medication in healthcare can lead to profound health complications, often due to the negligence of medical professionals. In such cases, that is when consulting a medical malpractice lawyer who has experience in claims involving pharmaceutical errors becomes critical.

“Casey D. Shomo and his staff were very helpful with my father in-law’s case. They were always there to answer any questions and made the transitions very smooth. I would recommend them to anyone who’s needing legal counsel.” – Jules

At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A., based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Mr. Shomo understands the profound impact medication errors can have on patients and their loved ones. With extensive experience in complex medical malpractice cases, Mr. Shomo and his dedicated team are committed to advocating for those adversely affected by such errors. As an experienced medical malpractice attorney, Mr. Shomo stands ready to pursue accountability from negligent healthcare providers, ensuring you receive the justice and financial compensation you rightly deserve.

Mr. Shomo’s case results include $2,500,000 for a case involving an inaccurate diagnosis and pharmaceutical error, which culminated in a brain bleed with lasting neurological damage. Additionally, he has secured a $2,000,000 outcome for a pharmaceutical mistake related to ophthalmic surgery medication, which resulted in vision loss and eye injuries for multiple patients.

What is a medication error?

A medication error occurs when there’s a mistake in any step of the medication process – from prescribing and dispensing to administering it to the patient. When things don’t go as planned with the medication, it can have serious consequences for the patient’s health and well-being.

5 rights of medication

In the medical world, there are 5 rights of medication use, set in stone to help healthcare professionals administer medication safely. Although these rights are the standard, some way and somewhere along the process, one of the rights can be missed or ignored, increasing the risk of medication errors. These five rights include:

Right Medication: This means you’re administered the correct medication prescribed by your healthcare provider for your specific condition.
Right Dose: This is all about getting the correct amount of medication. Too little might not be effective, while too much could be harmful.
Right Time: Taking medication at the right time is crucial for its effectiveness. Administering doses too close together can lead to an overdose.
Right Route: This refers to how the medication is administered – whether it’s taken orally (by mouth), applied topically (on the skin), injected, or inhaled. Using the correct route of administration ensures the medication reaches its intended target and works as intended.
Right Patient: Finally, this means the medication is intended for you, and you alone. Healthcare providers need to confirm the patient’s identity before administering any medication.

Types of medication errors

Medication errors can happen for various reasons. Common medication errors made by healthcare professionals and medical facilities include:

Prescribing errors

Prescribing the wrong dosage of medication based on a miscalculation or misunderstanding of the patient’s weight or condition.
Prescribing a medication to which the patient is allergic.
Prescribing a medication that has harmful interactions with another medication.

Dispensing errors

Dispensing the wrong medication due to illegible handwriting on the prescription.
Dispensing the incorrect medication due to confusion with similar-sounding drug names.
Dispensing the wrong dosage of medication because of a misinterpretation of the prescription.
Dispensing the medication in the wrong form (e.g., liquid instead of tablets) without proper clarification from the prescriber.

Administration errors

Administering the medication to the wrong patient due to inadequate patient identification procedures.
Administering the medication via the wrong route (e.g., intravenous instead of oral) due to a lack of clear instructions.
Administering the medication at the wrong time, such as missing a dose or giving it too early or too late.

Monitoring errors

Failing to monitor the patient’s response to the medication for potential adverse effects or therapeutic efficacy.
Neglecting to perform required laboratory tests or vital sign monitoring to assess the medication’s impact on the patient’s health.
Overlooking the need for follow-up appointments or assessments to ensure the medication’s ongoing safety and effectiveness.

Documentation errors

Inaccurate documentation of the medication administered, leading to discrepancies in the patient’s medication record.
Failure to document important details such as allergies, previous adverse reactions, or medication changes, compromising patient safety.
Incomplete or illegible documentation that hinders communication and continuity of care among healthcare providers involved in the patient’s treatment.

Let a medication errors attorney in Florida protect your rights

At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A. in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, we understand the immense impact that medication errors can have on patients and their families. Our law firm operates with the personalized attention of a small practice, ensuring that every client receives dedicated support and guidance throughout their legal journey. Through his personalized approach, Mr. Shomo takes the time to understand the unique circumstances of each case and advocate tirelessly for his clients’ rights.

Despite being a smaller firm, we have access to the resources and expertise typically associated with larger firms. Our team brings decades of experience in handling complex medical malpractice cases, including those involving medication errors. To learn more, contact us today and schedule a free consultation.