Maryland medication errors can occur due to a number of issues in the process of prescribing, ordering, preparing, and administering medication. These issues may include errors in the process of prescribing a medication due to the medication type, dosage, or based on the patient’s history due to an adverse interaction with another medication or a preexisting condition. Issues can also occur in the process of ordering the medication based on an unclear prescription, such as confusion over the dosage or quantity. There can also be errors in preparing and packaging the medication due to contamination, similar medication names. Even if everything is done correctly, a correct prescription and medication may be given to the wrong patient.
An article was recently released concerning inpatient pharmacy errors and the work being done to try to mitigate the occurrence of medication order errors in that setting. According to the article, “Medication order errors are a significant, and preventable, public health problem.” The article went on the say that although the use of electronic health records had reduced medication order errors, at the same time they electronic records have introduced new sources of error having to do with the interaction between the healthcare provider and the system. Researchers explained that incoming pharmacy orders should be reviewed by hospital-based clinical pharmacists, but the ordering of medications can be impacted by alert fatigue, which can lead to medical errors. Researchers are attempting to address these issues by developing a machine that can identify medication orders that require pharmacy intervention based on clinician data instead of relying on patients’ medical records. They hope that the technology can decrease the workload of pharmacists and improve patient safety.
Can Patients Sue a Pharmacy After a Medication Error?
Yes, if a patient suffers an injury due to a medication error, the patient may be able to recover financial compensation by filing a lawsuit against the parties responsible for the error. The patient would have to show that the defendant had a duty of care to the patient, that the defendant acted wrongfully by acting or failing to act in some way, the defendant caused the patient harm due to the wrongful act, and the patient suffered damages. In general, such cases must be filed within three years of the date of the injury, so meeting with an experienced attorney as soon as possible is important. Expert testimony is often required in such cases to prove how the wrongful act failed to meet the standard of care required and how that impacted the victim.
Have You Been Injured due to a Medication Error?
If you have been injured due to a medication error in an inpatient setting or elsewhere, contact an experienced Maryland medication error attorney as soon as possible. Victims may be entitled to compensation, but they must act quickly to evaluate their options and protect their rights. The law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen has years of experience in Maryland pharmacy error cases, along with the skills to effectively and correctly handle the case. Contact us today at (800) 654-1949 or via our online form to set up a free consultation.