Medication errors are one of the most common and preventable causes of patient injury – with a reported 44,000-98,000 annual hospital deaths attributed to these events. These errors typically include administering the wrong drug or dose, using the wrong route, administering it incorrectly, or giving medication to the wrong patient.
Medication errors can have a range of consequences, from mild discomfort to life-threatening complications. At Bell Law Firm, we handle cases where these errors lead to catastrophic outcomes, including permanent injury or wrongful death. Understanding the risks and how to protect yourself is essential for ensuring safe treatment for you or a loved one. Here’s what you need to know.
When & Where Can Medication Errors Occur?
A medication error can occur anywhere someone prescribes, dispenses, or administers a drug. They can also happen at any stage of the healthcare process, from the emergency room or doctor’s office to a pharmacy, paramedic care setting, or even at home. Some common errors include:
- Incorrect Prescription: These errors might involve the wrong drug, wrong dose, incorrect instructions, or inappropriate medication.
- Improper Administration: This refers to healthcare staff making errors preparing or dispensing medications, such as administering the wrong medication dose, incorrect route of administration, or delivering to the wrong patient.
- Failure to Document: Failure to correctly document all medication updates and dosages or illegible writing.
- Communication Breakdowns: These include poor communication between healthcare providers, such as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, and misunderstandings or incomplete information.
- Technology and Equipment Challenges: This includes problems with medical devices or technology used in medication administration.
What Does a Catastrophic Medication Error Look Like?
As we mentioned in the introduction of this blog, Bell Law Firm specializes in the most severe, catastrophic medication error cases. Here are a few recent examples in the news that highlight the types of injuries that may be a fit for our expertise. It’s important to note that all cases are evaluated individually and at the discretion of our legal experts.
Case 1: A Fatal Medication Mix-Up at Vanderbilt
A former Vanderbilt nurse was charged with reckless homicide and patient abuse after mistakenly dispensing a paralyzing drug to a patient instead of the standard anti-anxiety medication that the doctor had prescribed to the patient. This tragic error highlights the consequences of lapses in medication verification and administration protocols.
Case 2: The Wrong Dosage with Lifelong Impact
A patient suffered the catastrophic effects of Stevens-Johnson syndrome after being given the wrong dosage of an anti-depressant medication. This rare, life-threatening condition caused her skin to peel off, leaving her in a medically induced coma for five weeks. Despite surviving, she now lives with permanent disfigurement and requires ongoing medical care. The case underscores the critical need for precise dosage and monitoring to avoid life-altering outcomes.
A retired Army Veteran being treated for an infection lost his life due to a dosing error involving Dilaudid, a powerful narcotic. Although his doctor prescribed 1 mg every four hours, he was allegedly given 4 mg on two different occasions.
How Patients Can Protect Themselves
A serious medication error isn’t something any of us want to experience. While some of these situations depend primarily on the actions of your healthcare team, there are some precautions you can take a patient to help protect yourself.
- Know Your Medications: Keep a list of all your medications, including dosages, purposes, and any potential side effects. When prescribed a new drug, ask questions:
- What is this medication for?
- How and when should I take it?
- Are there any side effects or interactions I should watch for?
- Double-Check Prescriptions and Labels: Before leaving the pharmacy, verify that the medication name and dosage match your doctor’s prescription. Ensure the label includes clear instructions. You can always pull out your phone to research what your doctor prescribed to ensure the name of the drug, side effects, and instructions match.
- Inform Your Healthcare Provider: Inform your healthcare provider of all over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies you take to avoid harmful side effects. Mixing any combination of these medicines can lead to unpredictable and adverse reactions.
While healthcare systems and providers promote a culture of safety to prevent any sort of medical errors, there are still gaps in the system. Bell Law Firm specializes in the most egregious, severe medical malpractice. If you believe you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic life-altering injury from a medication error, contact us for a free consultation.