Are Medication Errors Considered Medical Malpractice?

 Posted on February 09, 2024 in Medical Malpractice

When patients need assistance with a medical problem, they put a lot of trust in their medical staff to take care of them. However, when medical staff act with negligence or disregard and prescribe incorrect medication, improper medication doses, or a medication that a patient is allergic to, serious complications can occur.

If you believe you have dealt with a medication error, contacting an Illinois medical malpractice lawyer is essential to explore your legal options.

What Are the Consequences of a Medication Error?

A medication error occurs when medical staff act with negligence, recklessness, or disregard for their patient’s needs and incorrectly prescribe a medication. Sometimes these mistakes are genuine accidents, but other times they are the result of insufficient staffing or training, inattention, simple carelessness, or even medical staff working under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Consequences of a medication error for patients include:

• Serious allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening

• Adverse reaction or overdose due to a higher medication dosage than necessary

• Prolonged illness or serious complications of a lower medication dosage that does not treat the patient

• Incorrect medication which causes side effects and does not help the patient

In some cases, medication errors may lead to life-changing injuries or even fatality, when the medication causes an overdose or a severe allergic reaction.

Can I Receive Compensation for a Medication Error?

Dealing with the consequences of a medication error is not easy, and pursuing this type of case in court can be complex. To win this kind of case, you will need to show that medical staff violated a standard of care and acted with negligence or recklessness that led to the medication error occurring. A skilled lawyer can help you navigate this.

After a medication error occurs, the type of compensation you may be eligible for includes compensation to cover the cost of medical expenses, ongoing treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Every case is different, which is why consulting with a legal professional is essential if you wish to pursue a case after a medication error.

Contact a Cook County, IL Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Medication errors are serious, and victims of a medication error may deal with the consequences of this mistake for the rest of their lives. Medication errors can be considered medical malpractice, and it is important to speak with an Arlington Heights, IL medical malpractice attorney at Adler Law Offices, LTD to explore your legal options. Call 312-236-2700 for a free consultation.