Pharmacy errors present a serious risk of injury not just to patients who take medication that they need to keep them healthy but also to anyone who fills a prescription. In many cases, Maryland pharmacy errors involve a patient being provided with a dangerous medication that they were not prescribed. This can result in a wide range of dangerous side effects, up to and including death.
Given the risks involved, pharmacists generally take their job very seriously and want to ensure that their patients are given exactly the medication and dosage they are prescribed. However, pharmacies are for-profit corporations that exist to make money. And by scheduling fewer pharmacists, the pharmacy is spending less in labor costs and can keep more of the money it receives.
According to a recent news report, some pharmacists have recently expressed frustration with the fact that they are pressured to fill prescriptions quickly, focusing more on filling a large number of prescriptions than making sure the prescriptions that are filled are accurate. These employees told reporters that they felt as though their employers viewed the occasional pharmacy error as a “cost of doing business.”
The report notes that this is especially the case at large, nationwide pharmacies that rely on heavy volume. Some former pharmacists who were interviewed discussed the possible consequences of failing to fill prescriptions fast enough, including being taken off the schedule and being transferred to another facility.
Holding a Pharmacist Liable for a Prescription Error
When a patient is provided with the wrong medication, dose, or instructions and suffers any harm as a result, they may be entitled to bring a claim for damages against the pharmacist as well as the pharmacy. These cases, however, can be very complex and should be handled by attorneys who are well versed in this specific area of the law. For example, pharmacy error plaintiffs must establish that the injuries they sustained were caused by the pharmacy error rather than some unrelated issue. Proving a link between the pharmacy error and the plaintiff’s injuries often involves medical knowledge beyond what most judges and jurors possess. Thus, establishing causation in a Maryland pharmacy error case may require the testimony of several expert witnesses who can explain the science behind the error.
Have You Been a Victim of a Maryland Pharmacy Error?
If you or a loved one has recently been a victim of a pharmacist’s negligence, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The dedicated team of Maryland medical malpractice attorneys at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers has extensive experience handling a wide range of pharmacy error claims, including claims involving complex scientific and medical issues. For all of our clients’ cases, we consult with a large network of expert doctors and scientists to establish all necessary elements and ensure that our client’s case is presented in a convincing and efficient manner. Call 410-654-3600 to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated Maryland personal injury attorney to discuss your case today.
More Blog Posts:
Experts Push to Decrease Prescription Errors by Changing Labeling and Packaging, Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog, November 8, 2017.
Pharmacy Errors Involving High-Alert Medications, Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog, October 23, 2017.