Victims of Maryland medication errors may be dealing with the stress of the injury, medical bills, and wage losses—and filing a Maryland medication error lawsuit may not be at the forefront of their minds. However, victims have to be careful not to wait too long, because it could be too late.
What Is a Statute of Limitations?
The statute of limitations dictates the time in which any claim must be filed in Maryland. Failure to file a lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitations generally will result in the claim being dismissed, though there are some exceptions. Generally, the statute of limitations for a medication error claim in Maryland (and other personal injury claims) is three years. Wrongful death claims also have a statute of limitations of three years. The statute of limitations varies depending on the type of case and there may be exceptions in some cases. The statutes of limitations also can change if there is a change in the law so it is important to meet with an experienced medication error attorney who understands the statute of limitations that applies in a specific case.
The statute of limitations generally begins to run when an injury occurs, though it may start to run later in some cases. An experienced medication error attorney can help medication error victims properly file a claim within the applicable statute of limitations.
How Patients Can Reduce Risks of Maryland Medication Error
Hundreds of thousands of people are injured each year in the United States due to a medication error, according to one news source. Of course, there are many things pharmacists and medical professionals can do to take greater care to protect patients. But there are ways patients can take steps to decrease the risk of becoming victims of medication errors.
Patients can ask for more information when they start a new medication, including how long they should take it for, what the dosage is, and whether there are any other medications or substances they should avoid while taking the medication. Patients should also inform their health care providers of all medications, vitamins, supplements, herbs, over-the-counter drugs, vaccines, and other products they take, as well as of any chronic health problems, allergies, and the possibility of pregnancy. Patients should also double-check labels, only use medications as advised, read directions, and ensure they are measuring accurately.
A medication error is an error caused by the improper use of medication. Medication errors can occur at a hospital, pharmacy, nursing home, in another healthcare setting, or in one’s home. They may occur because of drug names that look or sound alike, poor communication between prescribing doctors and pharmacists and other healthcare professionals, medical abbreviations, and poor communication between patients and their doctors.
Consult a Maryland Personal Injury Attorney
Victims of Maryland medication errors should consult with a dedicated Maryland personal injury attorney as soon as possible to ensure the claim is timely and properly filed. The dedicated attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC have handled all types of personal injury claims for Baltimore residents and others throughout Maryland. Their team of professionals repeatedly achieves positive results for their clients through their compassionate and diligent legal representation. Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers can help you assess your situation today. Call them at (800) 654-1949 or contact them online to set up a free, no-obligation consultation.