While many doctors and pharmacists work tirelessly to avoid pharmacy errors, unfortunately, errors still occur—sometimes, with devastating effects for patients. If a patient suffers injuries due to a Maryland pharmacy error, the patient may be able to seek financial compensation through a negligence claim.
What is the First Step to Take After a Pharmacy Error?
The first step after discovering an injury due to a pharmacy error is to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced Maryland injury attorney can advise injured patients on what steps to take specific to their case and what deadlines apply. In general, the next step to take as quickly as possible is to find and hold on to evidence that may disappear with time, including medical records, medication bottles, photos, video surveillance, and more. Depending on the circumstances of the case, a patient may need to file a claim or a notice of the claim quickly as well. Each claim is subject to a statute of limitations, which limits the amount of time in which a claim may be filed. Depending on the circumstances of the case, there may need to be a substantial investigation done before and after a complaint is filed, including determining the names and entities responsible for the patient’s injuries who should be named as plaintiffs, the basis for the complaint, and alleged damages.
In a negligence claim, a plaintiff must show that the defendant had a duty of care toward the plaintiff, the defendant failed to meet that duty by acting or failing to act in some way, the defendant’s lack of care caused the plaintiff’s damages, and the plaintiff suffered damages.
Teenager Given Anti-Depressants Instead of Migraine Medication Due to Pharmacy Error
As one news source reported, a teenage girl was given anti-depressants instead of migraine medication for 6 months due to a pharmacy error. The girl had been prescribed the migraine medication “sumatriptan.” She was mistakenly given the medication “sertraline,” which is used to treat depression, anxiety, and other disorders. She took the medication for 6 months before a nurse at her school called the pharmacy to ask why the medication did not match the medication label.
A recent report concerning the mistake found that the patient went to the pharmacy at its busiest time of the day and that it was the pharmacist manager’s first day at that job. It also found that the two medications were next to each other on the shelf and that both the pharmacist and the pharmacist manager missed the error.
Contact a Maryland Pharmacy Error Lawyer
Victims of Maryland pharmacy errors may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries. The attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC represents victims of pharmacy errors, medical malpractice, and other wrongful conduct throughout Maryland and the Washington, D.C. area. The legal team at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC works closely with medical experts to evaluate clients’ claims and fight for the compensation that they deserve. They can assist injured victims in recovering from their injuries by guiding them through the legal process. Call 1-800-654-1949 or fill out our online form to set up a free consultation today.