Medicine is a powerful tool used to assist individuals with ailments ranging from a simple headache to treating serious illnesses. Patients rely on doctors and nurses to properly prescribe and/or administer the medication they need. If you were the victim of a medication error due to the negligence of a doctor or nurse, you may want to consider speaking with our medication errors attorneys to determine if you have a medical malpractice case. The experienced attorneys at Friedman Schuman have represented clients in medical malpractice cases for over 40 years. If you require strong legal assistance, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Common medication errors
When a physician or clinician works with a patient, it is important that he or she reviews the patient’s medical chart thoroughly before administering or prescribing any medication. The medical professional should be aware of any known allergies and illnesses, as well as any medication that the patient is currently on. If a physician or clinician fails to take an adequate look at the patient’s medical history, they may prescribe medication that could do more harm than good. An incorrect prescription or improper dosage may result in serious health issues that may end up requiring additional medical care and even lifelong consequences.
Nurses in hospitals or medical facilities are often required to work very long shifts. Although nurses treat many patients at once, they are required to practice extreme diligence when administering medications. The unfortunate reality is that nurses may be overworked, overtired, and maybe at risk for confusing patients. In some cases, nurses may even mix up a patient’s medication with someone else’s. If a nurse diverts from a doctor’s orders and administers either the wrong medication or the wrong dosage, a patient could be hurt or killed.
After the medication is administered, it is important that doctors and nurses carefully monitor the patient to ensure that he or she does not suffer from an adverse reaction. If the patient shows signs of distress, the medical staff will need to move quickly to solve the problem.
Contact our experienced medication error attorneys
If you or a loved one has suffered because of a medication error, it may be time to consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney. The effects of a medication error can be life-changing. With so much at stake, it is important to consult with an attorney that can effectively represent your needs and the needs of your family. Contact Friedman Schuman today to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorneys.
