Lexington Medication Errors Lawyer

Medical professionals make mistakes. Sometimes, they make mistakes concerning the medications they administer or prescribe. At Gary C. Johnson, P.S.C., we are here to help if you need a Lexington medical malpractice lawyer by your side. You may be able to recover compensation for any injury or illness caused by the medication error. Our team understands medical malpractice claims in Kentucky. We understand the challenges, and we want to help.

How Do Medication Errors Occur in Healthcare?

Medication errors are unfortunately common in healthcare settings, and they can have catastrophic, life-changing consequences for patients. These errors occur at various stages of the medication process, including prescribing, dispensing, and administering drugs. Understanding how these errors happen is crucial in preventing them and holding responsible parties accountable.

Prescription Errors. Prescription errors are among the most frequent types of medication mistakes. These occur when a doctor or healthcare provider prescribes the wrong medication, an incorrect dosage, or fails to consider potential harmful drug interactions or patient allergies. For example, a provider might prescribe a medication that a patient is allergic to or one that interacts negatively with another medication they’re taking.

Dispensing Errors. Dispensing errors happen at the pharmacy level. This can include giving the person an incorrect medication, an incorrect dosage, or improperly labeled medications. Even minor mistakes, such as confusing medications with similar names or packaging, can lead to severe health issues or even death.

Administration Errors. These errors occur when a healthcare provider administers medication incorrectly. This can include giving the wrong drug to the wrong patient, administering the incorrect dosage, or failing to follow proper administration protocols (e.g., giving a medication intravenously instead of orally). Administration errors are particularly dangerous in hospital settings, where patients may be receiving multiple medications, and timing and dosage are critical.

Failure to Monitor. Some medications require close monitoring to ensure that they are working correctly and not causing harm. Failing to monitor a patient’s response to a medication is negligent and can lead to serious complications, such as overdose, adverse reactions, or the medication not working as intended.

Communication Breakdowns. Poor communication between healthcare providers is a significant factor in many medication errors. This can happen when there is a lack of coordination between doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, leading to inconsistent or incorrect information about a patient’s medication plan.

Can Victims Recover Compensation After a Medication Mistake?

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a medication error in Lexington, you may be entitled to compensation by filing a civil medical malpractice claim. The types of compensation you could recover depend on the specifics of your case but generally include:

• Medical Expenses. This includes the cost of any additional medical care required to address the harm caused by the medication error. This could involve hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any ongoing care necessary to manage long-term effects.
• Lost Wages. If the medication error has caused you to miss work or has impacted your ability to work in the future, you may be entitled to payment for lost wages.
• Pain and Suffering. Medication errors can cause significant physical pain, emotional distress, and a reduction in your overall quality of life. Compensation for pain and suffering is meant to address these non-economic damages, which can be substantial in cases of severe injury.

How Soon Should You File Your Claim?

In Kentucky, the law sets specific time limits for filing medical malpractice claims, including those involving medication errors. According to the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS § 413.140(1)(e)), you generally have one year from the date of the injury or from the date when the injury was discovered (or reasonably should have been discovered) to file a claim.

It is important to act quickly for several reasons:

• Preserving Evidence. The sooner you file your claim, the easier it will be to gather and preserve evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony. This evidence is crucial to building a strong case.
• Avoiding Delays. Delaying your claim can result in complications, such as difficulty obtaining records or locating witnesses. It can also give the healthcare provider’s legal team more time to prepare their defense.
• Protecting Your Legal Rights. Missing the statute of limitations can result in losing your right to seek compensation altogether. Filing your claim promptly ensures that your legal rights are protected and that you have the best chance of recovering the compensation you deserve.

Proving a medication error in a medical malpractice claim can be complex, as it often involves detailed medical records, expert testimony, and a thorough understanding of healthcare practices. At Gary C. Johnson, P.S.C., our Lexington injury lawyers have the experience and resources necessary get you through this. Contact us for a free consultation by filling out our contact form or calling us now at (866) 984-0133.