Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog
Each year, 7,000 to 9,000 Americans die as a result of a medication error. About 1.3 million people are injured because of a medication error each year. When someone is injured because of a medication error, they may be entitled to financial compensation. A doctor, pharmacist, hospital, or another provider may be liable for their mistakes.
List Released of COVID-19 Related Medication Errors
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices recently published a list of medication errors related to the treatment of COVID-19 patients. According to one publication, the medication errors included in the list were: missed doses linked to rationing of personal protective equipment, lack of staff training in using a medicine bar code, hard-to-read remdesivir labeling, automated cabinets dispensing the wrong drug, and an inability to weigh patients to assure correct dosage.
For example, some hospitals have said that there was an increase in missed doses of medication to patients because staff was hesitant to enter patients’ rooms multiple times because they were worried they might run out of personal protective equipment. Some providers have also reported that the inability to weigh patients during telehealth visits can lead to incorrect dosages of drugs based on the patient’s weight. One hospital reported an error from an automated dispensing cabinet, where a nurse mistakenly selected and gave a COVID-19 patient a high blood pressure medication instead of a sedative, because the drug names were similar.
The time during which a medication error lawsuit must be filed depends on the type of case and the particulars of the case. However, in general, Maryland medication error lawsuits must be filed within the three-year statute of limitations set forth for Maryland personal injury claims. Wrongful death claims arising from a medication error also generally must be filed within three years after the death of the injured person.
Failing to file a medication error lawsuit within the prescribed statute of limitations will likely result in a dismissal of the claim. Failing to be aware of the applicable statute of limitations is not a valid excuse under the law. Yet, the time limit may be delayed or extended under certain circumstances. For example, a minor generally would not have to file a claim until they attained the age of majority. Similarly, an incapacitated plaintiff generally would not have to file a claim until the incapacity was no longer present.
Contact an Experienced Maryland Pharmacy Error Lawyer Today
If you have been injured as the result of a medication error, one of the first things to do is to contact a Maryland pharmacy error attorney. You may be able to file a claim against the party at fault for your injuries or for your loved one’s injuries. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, Personal Injury Lawyers, our attorneys take pride in advocating for the rights of victims. We understand the complex issues that can arise in personal injury cases and will do everything we can to get your life back on track. Call 1-800-654-1949 or contact us online to set up a free initial consultation.