New York City Prescription Error Lawyer
Millions of Americans take prescription medications every day to keep themselves safe and healthy. However, when hospitals, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other medical professionals make a medication mistake, the effects can be disastrous. More than 100,000 cases of medication errors are reported every year, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many cases are also not reported and so, the number of instances is likely much higher than that.
If you have suffered injuries due to a prescription error, you may be able to hold the negligent party liable for paying compensation. Our New York City prescription error lawyer helps clients obtain the full settlements they deserve and can put that expertise to work for you.
What is a Prescription Error?
When a doctor, nurse, or other medical provider makes a careless and preventable mistake when prescribing or administering a drug, that is a prescription error. It is important to note that prescription errors are different from adverse reactions. An adverse reaction is when a patient responds negatively to a drug. While an adverse reaction may be the result of negligence, this is not always the case.
For example, a doctor may prescribe a patient a drug thinking it is perfectly safe. They may have examined the patient’s medical history and the ingredients within the drug to ensure it was safe for the individual to take. If the patient had an unforeseen adverse reaction, that does not mean that malpractice took place. If, on the other hand, the patient suffered an adverse reaction because the doctor did not review their medical history, that is malpractice because the injuries could have been avoided.
What Causes Prescription Errors?
There are many different reasons prescription errors happen. Some of the most common include:
- A lack of communication between medical providers
- Prescriptions that are illegibly written
- Abbreviating prescription names instead of using the full name
- Failing to obtain the patient’s full medical history to ensure they are not allergic to the drug or otherwise will not suffer harm
- Insufficient training
- Failing to follow standard procedures
- Defective marketing or labeling
The above are all common examples of negligence and could provide grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Determining who to hold liable is not always easy in these cases. For example, you may believe a doctor prescribed you the wrong medication, but it may have been the pharmacy that received the proper prescription and gave you the wrong drug. For this reason, you should always seek legal advice before filing a claim for a prescription error.
Our Prescription Error Lawyer in New York City Can Determine Liability
At Michael Gunzburg, P.C., our New York City prescription error lawyer can examine the facts of your case to determine who is liable for your injuries so you receive the maximum damages you deserve. Call us today at 212-725-8500 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney and to learn more about how we can help with your case.
