Resources area available for victims of medication errors

Medication errors cause at least one death daily and annually result in 1.3 million injured victims in the United States. Medication errors can occur at different points along the medication distribution timeline. Medication errors can occur when prescribing, repackaging, dispensing, administering or monitoring medication. Medication errors can occur in different settings, including hospitals, and involve different medical professionals including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and hospital and other medical staff.

When medication errors have taken place, they may occur for different reasons all related to medical negligence such as poor communication; miscommunications related to product names, medical abbreviations used, writing or directions for use; poor procedures and techniques; lack of product knowledge or training; job stress; and for other reasons as well and in other circumstances.

Medication errors can be reported to the Food & Drug Administration which is one way that patients can be protected from medication errors. Legal options may also be available to victims injured by medication errors and medical negligence. Medical malpractice legal options provide a resource for victims of medical malpractice to recover compensation for damages resulting from a medication error or other medical error. Victims may suffer damages including medical expenses, lost earnings as they struggle to recover from the harm they have suffered and pain and suffering damages.

A medical malpractice claim for damages can allow victims to recover compensation for the physical, financial and emotional harm suffered because of a medication error. Medical negligence is a serious concern for victims harmed by it which is why they should be familiar with protections available to help them.

Source: U.S. Food & Drug Administration, "Medication Error Reports," Accessed Jan. 18, 2017