Medication Errors by Nursing Home Staff

When a family places a loved one in a nursing home or other healthcare facility in Washington, they entrust that facility and the staff that works within its walls to provide a safe and nurturing environment. They certainly don’t expect nursing home errors or elder abuse. Proper care includes the overall management of health care and the proper administration of necessary and appropriate medication.

The healthcare facility and staff should provide a proper standard of care; however, medication errors and nursing home malpractice situations arise, even in reputable institutions. In some cases, substandard care can be a form of elder abuse. Medication errors and mishandling can be a prime example of this type of abuse and malpractice. Families should carefully monitor the administration of medicine for their senior loved one.

If you have a loved one in a nursing home or other healthcare environment and believe that a medication error has occurred, you should speak to appropriate staff and facility administration. If your loved one suffered harm as a result of the medication error, you may need to report the incident and contact an attorney who specializes in Olympia personal injury law and elder abuse cases to review your rights and options for restitution.

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Understanding Medication Errors by Nursing Home Staff

How do Medication Errors Happen?

Medication errors occur when a medical professional makes a mistake in the preparation, dosage or administration of medicine. This can be an error that happens in the pharmacy — as in the case of a pharmacist who misreads a doctor’s handwriting and inaccurately fills a prescription or provides erroneous directions on the medication packaging. This also occurs when nursing staff administers the medicine — as in the case of a nurse mixing one patient’s medicine with another’s or accidentally over- or under-dosing a patient.

Some examples of medication errors follow

Not following instructions: Some medications require a certain amount of food or liquid in accompaniment with the dosage. These instructions, when not adhered to, can harm the patient. The nursing staff are responsible for ensuring that the medicine is administered with the appropriate liquid required to ingest it or at a time when food was or was not ingested, as necessary.
Improper medication handling: Some pills or capsules should not be cut or split under any circumstances. Nursing staff that misses or ignores “do not crush” orders can harm patients by improperly administering pills.
Improper dosage: This type of error can occur due to pharmacist errors in directions on medication packaging or when nurses hastily or carelessly misread a label. Over- or under-dosage of medication can cause serious problems for patients, especially elderly patients. If you suspect that your loved one has been over- or under-dosed while in the care of medical professionals, you need to take action immediately to protect his or her safety.
Missed doses or improperly timed doses: Many medical facilities (and nursing homes in particular) are often under-staffed with overworked and rushed. Missed medication doses can cause serious consequences for patients who need their medicine to maintain health and quality of life, and doses that are late or too early can cause harm.
Poor monitoring: Side effects and resistance to certain medications are common concerns for many patients. Nursing staff are charged with the responsibility of monitoring the reactions of patients to their medicine on an ongoing basis. Overworked or inattentive nurses or doctors may miss important signs that medicine is causing adverse effects or is not working.

These are some examples of medication errors commonly committed in nursing facilities. If you believe your loved one has suffered due to medical professionals’ mistakes or carelessness, he or she may be a victim of elder abuse or medical malpractice. Seek the expert advice of an attorney who specializes in these types of cases.

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Our Approach to Medication Errors by Nursing Home Staff

At Ron Meyers & Associates PLLC, we understand the profound trust placed in nursing homes and healthcare facilities when families entrust the care of their loved ones. We recognize that proper care extends beyond physical well-being; it includes the correct and safe administration of medication. When medication errors occur, it can have severe consequences for vulnerable individuals in nursing homes. That’s why we are committed to providing dedicated legal representation to those who have been affected by medication errors in nursing home settings.

Compassionate and Comprehensive Representation:

Our approach to cases involving medication errors by nursing home staff is rooted in compassion and a commitment to justice. We understand the distress and concern families experience when their loved ones are harmed due to medication errors, and we are here to help navigate the legal complexities of these cases.

Thorough Investigation:

We recognize that every case is unique, and we begin by conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the details surrounding the medication error. This includes evaluating the medical records, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts in the field of elder care and medication management.

Expertise in Elder Abuse and Medical Malpractice:

Our legal team specializes in personal injury law and elder abuse cases, making us well-equipped to handle medication error cases involving nursing home staff. We have a deep understanding of the legal complexities surrounding elder abuse and medical malpractice, and we use this knowledge to build strong cases on behalf of our clients.

Client-Centered Approach:

We believe in putting our clients first. Throughout the legal process, we provide compassionate support and clear communication to keep you informed every step of the way. Our goal is not only to seek justice for those who have been harmed but also to ensure that their rights are protected and that similar incidents are prevented in the future.

Advocating for Compensation:

We are dedicated to pursuing compensation for the damages and suffering caused by medication errors in nursing homes. This includes seeking restitution for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and any other losses incurred as a result of the error. Our mission is to help you and your loved ones receive the compensation you deserve.

If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of a medication error in a nursing home or healthcare facility, we are here to provide the legal guidance and support you need. Our experienced attorneys have a proven track record of advocating for those affected by medication errors, and we are ready to fight for your rights.

Contact Ron Meyers & Associates PLLC today for a free consultation. We will listen to your concerns, evaluate your case, and provide you with the guidance and representation necessary to seek justice and ensure the safety of your loved one in a nursing home setting.

How Ron Meyers & Associates Can Help with Medication Errors by Nursing Home Staff Cases

Seek Legal Help for Nursing Home Errors

Ron Meyers & Associates PLLC is a law firm specializing in personal injury law and elder abuse cases in the state of Washington. Call us today at 360-459-5600 to set up a free consultation to discuss your case with an attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medication Errors by Nursing Home Staff Cases

A medication error in a nursing home occurs when there is a mistake in the preparation, dosage, or administration of medication. This can include errors such as giving the wrong medication, incorrect dosages, improper timing, or failing to follow medication instructions.

Signs of medication errors may include unexplained changes in a resident’s condition, unexpected side effects, worsening health, or a lack of improvement despite medical treatment. If you suspect a medication error, consult with medical staff, and consider seeking legal advice.

Responsibility for medication errors may fall on various parties, including nursing home staff, nurses, pharmacists, and even the nursing home itself. Liability depends on the specific circumstances of the error, and an attorney can help determine who is responsible.

If you suspect harm due to a medication error, document the details of the incident, inform nursing home staff and administration, and seek immediate medical attention for your loved one. Contacting an attorney experienced in elder abuse and medical malpractice can also help protect your loved one’s rights.

Yes, you may be able to file a lawsuit against a nursing home if your loved one has been harmed due to a medication error. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and guide you through the legal process.

In a medication error lawsuit, you may seek damages such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses incurred as a result of the error. The specific damages depend on the circumstances of your case.

The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit varies by state. In Washington, it’s essential to consult with an attorney promptly, as there are time limits for bringing a legal claim. The sooner you seek legal advice, the better.

When choosing an attorney, look for one with experience in personal injury law and elder abuse cases. They should have a deep understanding of medication error cases, a proven track record, and a commitment to advocating for your loved one’s rights and safety.

Legal action can bring attention and accountability to nursing homes, encouraging them to implement safeguards and improve medication management protocols. One lawsuit can lead to positive changes that protect other residents from harm.

We offer free consultations to discuss your case. During this consultation, you can evaluate your options and determine whether pursuing legal action is in your best interest.