There are several reasons a doctor may prescribe medication. From chronic health conditions to pain relief, prescription drugs can help treat patients in countless ways. When a medication error occurs, the result can significantly impact your health. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the medication error, you may be owed damages to compensate for the losses you have suffered.
The first-class medical malpractice lawyers at Sweeney Merrigan understand how devastating the effects of a medication error can be. Our team is committed to providing our clients in Boston and the surrounding areas with top-notch legal services so they can hold medical professionals responsible for their negligence. When you partner with us, you can have peace of mind that your case is in the caring hands of an experienced legal professional. To schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team, call us today at (774) 341-5778 or reach out through our contact form.
Common Medication Errors in Boston
Despite the significant harm they can cause, medication errors are rampant in our healthcare system. The FDA receives more than 100,000 reports of medication errors in the U.S. each year. Some of the most common medication errors in Boston include:
- Prescribing a patient the wrong medication or the wrong doses.
- Overprescribing a medication that can be harmful to them, such as opioids.
- Overlooking or failing to consider the patient’s allergies or interactions with other medications when prescribing a new drug.
- Failing to consider a child’s size when prescribing or administering medication.
- Misdiagnosing a patient and prescribing medication based on the incorrect diagnosis.
- Mixing up two separate patients.
- Mislabeling the medication or using incorrect abbreviations.
Unfortunately, the most common cause of medical errors is distraction. While healthcare professionals are extremely busy, they are still expected to prescribe and administer medication correctly for every single patient. Taking the incorrect medication can result in lifelong consequences and may even be fatal. If a medication error has caused you or someone in your family significant harm, the attorneys at Sweeney Merrigan can help by investigating your case and holding the healthcare professional in question fully accountable.
Tips for Preventing Medication Errors in Boston, MA
While many medication errors are outside the patient’s control, they can act proactively to reduce the risk. Some steps to prevent medication errors include:
- Ask your doctor questions when you are prescribed a new medication. Questions about the name, dosage, and interactions with your other medications can help spot errors early.
- Make sure your doctor is up to date with your medical history and prescriptions.
- Save the information sheet that comes with your medicine.
- Double-check the name of the prescription when picking it up from the pharmacy.
It is essential to note that while the above tips can help prevent errors, a doctor or other healthcare professional may still make a mistake. A person who takes the wrong medication may suffer severe consequences, including severe allergic reactions, brain damage, or even death. If your health has been significantly impacted due to a medication error, you may be entitled to recover damages through a medical malpractice claim.
What Damages May I Be Eligible to Recover Through a Medication Error Case?
Medication errors can cause severe injuries that may result in high costs for victims and their families. If you have suffered a medication error in Boston, Massachusetts, you should not be forced to finance your own recovery. The skilled medication error lawyers at Sweeney Merrigan may be able to help you recover the following damages:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Punitive damages
Your skilled medication error attorney will work with you to ensure they understand every aspect of your case, including which damages you may be eligible to collect. Our attorneys have extensive experience determining the worth of claims and helping to ensure their clients receive the compensation they are owed.
Discuss Your Case With the Trusted Medication Error Lawyers at Sweeney Merrigan
If you are the victim of a medication error in Boston, Massachusetts, you deserve to have a fierce advocate on your side. The skilled medication error lawyers at Sweeney Merrigan understand how stressful recovering from a medication error can be and are dedicated to making the claims process as stress-free as possible for their clients.
The passionate medical malpractice team has a proven track record of recovering hundreds of millions of dollars in damages for clients in Boston and the neighboring areas. Attorney Henry’s work on Rekis v. Johnson & Johnson helped prove that the company’s Children’s Motrin caused a child to become legally blind resulting in a judgment of $148.5 million for the victim and her family.
To learn more about how our medication error lawyers can help you and to schedule a free consultation, call us today at (774) 341-5778 or reach out through our contact form.
