Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog
Back in 2006, Christopher Jerry lost his daughter when she died in a hospital after being provided an improperly dosed IV prepared by a hospital pharmacist. According to one recent news article, Jerry has since become an advocate to fix the errors he claims are inherent in the flawed system of pharmacies across the nation.
Evidently, back in 2006, Jerry’s daughter was diagnosed with a yolk sac tumor when she was about 18 months old. Her treatment was going well, and the cancer was nearly eradicated. However, during her final session of chemotherapy, she was given improperly dosed medication and passed away. On the day of the error, Jerry claims that the hospital pharmacy was under-staffed, the pharmacy’s computer wasn’t working, and there was a backlog of physicians’ orders waiting to be filled.
Since that day back in 2006, Jerry has collaborated with other advocates in the field to pass legislation in his home state of Ohio as well as several other states that requires a higher level of regulation for pharmacy technicians. At the time of his daughter’s death, anyone with a high school diploma or a GED could become a pharmacy technician and could end up dosing life-saving medication months later.
Maryland Pharmacy Errors
Almost all pharmacy errors are inadvertent. However, that doesn’t make the pain that they can cause any easier to deal with. Pharmacists and technicians, regardless of their level of training, are required to provide each of their patients with the level of care expected in the profession. Among the things this entails is to ensure that a patient is provided the proper drug at the proper dose. When a pharmacist fails to do this, they violate the duty of care that is expected of them and, in many cases, they can be held financially liable for the injuries caused.
In cases where a person dies as a result of a preventable pharmacy error, the family of the victim can bring the suit on behalf of their deceased loved one. This type of lawsuit, called a wrongful death lawsuit, requires that the suit be filed by a proper party. In Maryland, that means that the person needs to be related to the deceased by blood or marriage. In certain circumstances, a prospective plaintiff will also need to show that they were financially dependent on the deceased. If you have any questions about whether you may be eligible for compensation, contact a dedicated pharmacy error attorney today.
Have You Been the Victim of a Pharmacist’s Mistake?
If you or a loved one has recently been the victim of a pharmacy error, you may be entitled to monetary damages. Of course, plaintiffs should expect that there will be significant resistance from the pharmacists and pharmacies named in the suit. This means it is extremely important to be both substantively and procedurally prepared for what the case may entail, such as meeting deadlines, filing requirements, and so on. Call 410-654-3600 to set up a free consultation with a dedicated Maryland pharmacy error. Calling is free, and there is no obligation.
More Blog Posts:
Five Dangerous Drug Combinations That Can Cause More Harm Than Good, Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog, June 1, 2015.
Hospitals Starting To Use New Technology to Decrease Prescription Errors, Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog, July 8, 2015.