A doctor or another medical professional has many duties to a patient, one of which is the duty to prescribe and administer the right type of medication, as well as the right dosage. In the event the doctor prescribes or administers the wrong drug or dosage, the patient may suffer serious complications, including death in the most severe cases.
If you or a loved one is the victim of a healthcare provider’s medication error, you have the right to seek legal recourse. Talk to Ron Meyers & Associates PLLC for help – call us at (360) 459-5600.
Understanding Cases Involving Vulnerable Adults Who Have Been Administered a Harmful Drug or Dosage
Causes of Drug or Dosage Errors
Medication errors are one of the most dangerous and deadliest types of medical errors. The factors below may contribute to a medication error like prescribing or administering the wrong drug or dosage.
- Miscommunication among hospital staff, nurses and doctors
- Failure to read a patient’s chart thoroughly
- Illegible prescription handwriting
- Confusion over which medications a patient currently takes
- Faulty medical devices (like diabetic insulin pumps)
- Other forms of physician negligence
Manufacturing, packing, monitoring and administration errors can lead to medication complications. Patients always should disclose the medications they take, and doctors should always inquire about the drugs the patient is taking.
The Dangers of Prescribing or Administering the Wrong Drug or Dosage
If a physician prescribes or orders the wrong drug or dosage, the patient may not receive the correct type or dosage of medication he or she needs to treat a condition successfully. For example, a patient who needed a certain amount of insulin to control diabetes, but did not receive the correct amount, may be at risk of harm.
A patient also may receive too much of a drug in some cases. A patient undergoing surgery, for example, may receive general anesthesia to render the patient unconscious and reduce pain. However, if the anesthesiologist administers too much anesthesia, the patient can suffer from serious health consequences, including death.
A patient may receive the wrong drug altogether. The wrong drug could have negative interactions with a drug that the patient already takes and may not be effective in treating the patient’s condition.
Liability for Harm Caused by Medication Errors
When a medical professional makes a medication error that leads to patient harm, one of the biggest questions is, “Who’s liable for injuries?”
If a doctor did not follow a reasonable standard of care when evaluating the patient and prescribing or administering the medicine, then the doctor may be liable. If a pharmacist was negligent in some way – such as filling a prescription with the wrong drug or dosage – then the pharmacist may be liable for damages. Similarly, incorrect labeling of the drug name or dosage may leave a manufacturer, hospital or another party liable.
If you believe that you have been the victim of a preventable medication error and would like to file a lawsuit for damages, seek legal counsel. You and your attorney will review your eligibility to file a claim and formulate a plan to prove negligence, liability, and damages. You must prove a duty of care existed between you and the medical professional, the defendant was negligent, and the negligence caused your damages.
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Our Approach to Cases Involving Vulnerable Adults Who Have Been Administered a Harmful Drug or Dosage
At Ron Meyers & Associates PLLC, we understand the gravity of cases involving vulnerable adults who have been administered the wrong medication or incorrect dosage. These situations can have devastating consequences, affecting not only the victims but also their families and loved ones. Our approach to these cases is driven by a commitment to seeking justice and ensuring that those responsible for such negligence are held accountable.
Compassionate Legal Support: We recognize that victims of medication errors involving vulnerable adults often face physical, emotional, and financial hardships. Our legal team provides compassionate and empathetic support to our clients throughout the legal process. We listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide guidance to help you make informed decisions about your case.
Thorough Investigation: Investigating cases involving medication errors is a complex process. Our experienced attorneys conduct thorough investigations to gather all relevant evidence. This includes reviewing medical records, consulting with medical experts, and examining the circumstances surrounding the error. We leave no stone unturned in building a strong case on your behalf.
Establishing Liability: To secure compensation for our clients, we must establish liability. Our legal team meticulously analyzes the facts of the case to determine who is responsible for the medication error. Whether it’s a healthcare provider, pharmacist, hospital, or another party, we work tirelessly to prove their negligence or misconduct.
Protecting Your Rights: Our priority is to protect your rights and interests. We are dedicated to ensuring that you receive the appropriate compensation for the damages you’ve suffered. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses. We negotiate with insurance companies, healthcare institutions, and legal representatives to reach fair settlements. If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court to fight for your rights.
Transparent Communication: We believe in transparent communication with our clients. Throughout the legal process, we keep you informed about the progress of your case. You’ll have a clear understanding of your legal options and the potential outcomes. We work collaboratively with you, making sure your voice is heard every step of the way.
Advocacy for Vulnerable Adults: Cases involving vulnerable adults require a unique level of advocacy. We are committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of vulnerable adult victims. Our goal is to not only secure compensation but also to raise awareness about the importance of patient safety and accountability within the healthcare system.
If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a medication error involving a vulnerable adult, we are here to provide the legal representation and support you need. Contact Ron Meyers & Associates PLLC today for a free consultation, and let us help you seek justice and compensation for the injuries and losses you’ve experienced. You can reach us at (360) 459-5600.
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How Ron Meyers & Associates Can Help with Cases Involving Vulnerable Adults Who Have Been Administered a Harmful Drug or Dosage
Take Legal Action Now – Call Ron Meyers & Associates
The attorneys at Ron Meyers & Associates PLLC, can help file your lawsuit and gather all of the evidence necessary to prove negligence, liability and damages. To get started now, contact us today at (360) 459-5600.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cases Involving Vulnerable Adults Who Have Been Administered a Harmful Drug or Dosage
If you suspect that a vulnerable adult has been the victim of a medication error, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Ensure the individual’s safety and well-being, and seek medical attention if necessary. Document any visible symptoms or adverse reactions. Additionally, consider consulting an attorney experienced in cases involving medication errors to understand your legal options.
Multiple parties can potentially be held liable in cases of medication errors. This may include healthcare providers, such as doctors and nurses, pharmacists, hospitals, nursing homes, and even medication manufacturers. Liability depends on the specific circumstances and who was responsible for the error. An attorney can help determine liability in your case.
In such cases, you may be eligible to seek various types of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: This covers the costs of medical treatment, hospitalization, and ongoing care related to the medication error.
- Lost Wages: If the vulnerable adult or their family members have suffered income loss due to the error, you may seek compensation.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation may be available for physical pain, emotional distress, and suffering caused by the error.
- Disability: If the medication error results in long-term or permanent disability, you may be entitled to compensation.
- Wrongful Death: If the vulnerable adult passes away due to the medication error, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim for damages.
Proving negligence in a medication error case involves demonstrating that a healthcare provider or another party failed to adhere to the standard of care expected in the medical field. This may include presenting evidence of errors in prescribing, administering, or monitoring medications. It’s essential to consult with an experienced attorney who can help gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case.
Yes, there is a statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit in medication error cases. The specific time limit can vary depending on factors such as the jurisdiction and the circumstances of the case. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure that you file within the applicable time frame. Failing to meet the deadline could result in losing your right to pursue legal action.
An experienced attorney can provide invaluable assistance by:
- Investigating the case to determine liability.
- Gathering evidence to support your claim.
- Negotiating with insurance companies or other parties for a fair settlement.
- Representing your interests in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
- Ensuring that you understand your legal rights and options.
- Advocating for the rights and well-being of vulnerable adult victims.
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