Ohio Attorneys for Medication Errors

ohio lawyers for medication errors

Medication Errors are among the most common medical errors, harming at least 1.5 million people every year, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies.  The extra medical costs of treating drug-related injuries occurring in hospitals alone conservatively amount to $3.5 billion a year, and this estimate does not take into account lost wages and  productivity or additional health care costs, the report says.

Our team of medication error attorneys offers the medical resources and experience necessary to successfully litigate malpractice claims.The Medical Malpractice division of Elk & Elk covers the entire state of Ohio and our attorneys specialize in the areas of medication errors and medical malpractice.

 

Medication Errors encompass all mistakes involving prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, vitamins, minerals, or herbal supplements (giving the wrong drug , wrong patient or wrong dose among a few examples). Medication Errors are common at every stage, from prescription, administration of a drug, monitoring of the patient's response to the drug itself. It is estimated that on average, there is at least one medication error per hospital patient per day, although error rates vary widely across facilities.  Studies indicate that 400,000 preventable medication error related injuries occur each year in hospitals.  Another 800,000 occur in long-term care settings, and roughly 530,000 occur just among Medicare recipients in outpatient clinics.

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Common Types of Medication Errors

The American Hospital Association lists the following as some common types of medication errors:

  • Not knowing about patients' allergies, other medicines they are taking can result in medication errors.
  • Unavailable drug information can severe reaction to the medication
  • Miscommunication of drug orders can cause wrong drug being administered
  • Lack of appropriate labeling could mean taking a completely different medication
  • Local environmental is also a factor in medication errors

In our society, we have all come to rely on medications to assist us in coping with diseases and chronic conditions which cause us pain.  Unfortunately, there are times when health care providers make mistakes and administer the wrong medication.  This can be based upon the fact that the medications “look alike” referring to the fact they are packaged in similar containers.  Secondly, these medications can at times “sound alike” referring to the technical pharmacological names having similarities based upon the medication origin. 

While the appropriate medication can bring about relief and/or cure, a medication error can bring about death or permanent injury.  If you or a loved one believe you have received a medication in error by your health care provider, which has resulted in an injury and wish to investigate this matter you will need a law firm with extensive medical experience and resources. Reviewing and investigating the medical facts will require consulting a team of lawyers working with doctors and nurses familiar and experienced with the medical aspect of your case.  Elk & Elk wants to help you fully understand and discover the truth.  We have medical doctors and nurse consultants who can assist in determining whether or not you have a good and viable claim. 

Call us at 1-800-ELK OHIO (1-800-355-6446) or complete the confidential form for a free evaluation by our medical attorneys..



Frequently Asked Questions: Medication Errors

Tips to Avoid Medication Mistake
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Medication error reports to FDA show a mixed bag
How the FDA is working to improve medication error safety
Videos Aimed at Consumer awareness on medications & avoiding medication mistakes or medication errors.



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