Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog
A pharmacy’s duty to the patient generally involves ensuring that the provided medication is in accordance with what the patient’s doctor intended the patient to receive. This means taking care to be sure that the proper medication is provided to the patient in the correct dose, with the appropriate instructions. An error in any one of these areas can result in serious or fatal repercussions to the pharmacy customer.
However, a pharmacy also has a duty to the general public to obey the laws and regulations of the pharmacy industry. This includes filling only legitimate prescriptions filled out by bona fide physicians. This is especially essential in instances regarding highly sought after narcotic pain medication that is unfortunately abused by much of the population. When a pharmacy fails to live up to the expectations placed upon it by the legal system or by society in general, there are often hefty financial consequences. That is exactly what happened when CVS Pharmacy was discovered to have filled dozens of fraudulent prescriptions across several stores in the Boston area.
CVS Fills Fake Prescriptions for Painkillers
Prescription painkillers are some of the most abused prescription drugs on the market. Indeed, some hard-core drug users prefer prescription painkillers to street drugs because of the “clean” high that they provide. And, unfortunately, some people will go to incredible lengths to feed their addiction, including creating fake prescriptions.
In a recent news article, it was explained that several CVS stores across the Boston metropolitan area filled dozens of fake prescriptions for painkillers. In response to the allegations, CVS opted to agree to pay out $3.5 million rather than defend against the charges. Under the agreement, CVS was not required to take responsibility for filling the fake prescriptions.
Pharmacies Make Mistakes
Whether it involves filling a fake prescription or incorrectly filling a legitimate prescription, pharmacists are human and make mistakes. Often this is because they are incredibly busy and overworked, due to no fault of their own. However, the pharmacy business, like other businesses, operates on a for-profit model, and “efficiency” is highly valued. All too often, however, the pursuit of an efficient pharmacy leaves too few pharmacists and pharmacist technicians available to responsibly fill all the customers’ orders. This creates a situation where errors are more likely to occur. When errors do happen, the pharmacy itself is often liable.
Have You Been Injured Due to a Pharmacist’s Negligence?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured or gotten ill after being provided the wrong medication, dose, or instructions with your prescription, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The skilled personal injury advocates at the Maryland and Washington D.C. law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have decades of experience holding negligent parties responsible for the injuries their clients have suffered. Call 410-654-3600 to set up a free consultation today.
More Blog Posts:
Pharmacists Among Top Professions Most Likely to Be Replaced by Robots, Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog, June 22, 2016.
$3 Million Verdict Upheld in Topamax Birth Injury Lawsuit, Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog, June 8, 2016.