Wrong Medication

Prince George’s County Attorneys Pursuing Justice for Patients Harmed by Medication Mistakes

Receiving the wrong medication is a serious form of medical negligence that can lead to harmful or even fatal consequences. When a healthcare provider or pharmacy dispenses the incorrect medication, patients risk adverse drug reactions, untreated conditions, and worsened symptoms. In Prince George’s County, such medication errors are grounds for legal action as they constitute a breach of trust between healthcare providers and patients and can lead to serious injuries or wrongful death.

At Foran & Foran, P.A., we recognize the severity of wrong medication errors and are dedicated to seeking justice for those harmed. Our Prince George’s County wrong medication error attorneys will work with you to investigate the circumstances of the error, hold responsible parties accountable, and recover compensation for your losses. Contact us to learn how we can help you move forward.

How Wrong Medication Errors Occur

In healthcare settings, a wrong medication error happens when a patient receives an entirely different drug than what was prescribed. This can result from various factors rooted in a breakdown of established safety protocols. Communication lapses, incorrect labeling, and issues within automated systems contribute significantly to these errors. Unlike dosage mistakes, involving the correct drug given in the wrong quantity, wrong medication errors can lead to unexpected and severe reactions as the body processes an unintended substance.

These errors cause immediate health concerns and may require emergency care or extensive hospitalization. The Prince George’s County wrong medication attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A., recognize the profound impact that wrong medication errors can have on victims and their families. Our legal team is dedicated to addressing these issues, ensuring those affected can recover damages for their medical costs and emotional distress.

Common Scenarios Leading to Wrong Medication Errors

Wrong medication errors can stem from a wide range of scenarios within healthcare settings. Some of the most common include:

• Medication mislabeling. Errors in labeling can result in medications being dispensed under incorrect names, and patients may inadvertently receive the wrong medication.
• Communication breakdowns. Communication errors among healthcare professionals in busy hospitals or clinics can lead to patients receiving incorrect medication. This is especially prevalent during shift changes.
• Pharmacy dispensing errors. Pharmacists might fill a prescription incorrectly, especially if medications have similar names or packaging.
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) issues. Automated systems track patient records, yet incorrect data entry or technical issues can lead to the wrong medication being administered.

Each scenario is preventable with proper oversight and adherence to safety protocols. When healthcare providers fail to ensure accuracy, patients’ lives are put at risk. At Foran & Foran, our Prince George’s County wrong medication lawyers advocate for clients facing the consequences of these preventable errors.

Health Risks Associated with Wrong Medication Errors

Receiving an unintended medication can lead to severe health issues. The side effects of an incorrect medication vary widely depending on the patient’s underlying health conditions and any other medications they are taking. For instance, receiving a blood thinner instead of an antibiotic could lead to internal bleeding, while receiving an immunosuppressant instead of pain medication could heighten vulnerability to infections.

In addition to physical symptoms, wrong medication errors can exacerbate emotional distress, as patients may require emergency interventions or face extended hospital stays. Family members are often left with anxiety over the patient’s health, and the financial burden of additional treatment can be substantial. Wrong medication cases reveal the critical importance of diligence in medication administration.

Pursuing Damages for Wrong Medication Errors

Victims of wrong medication errors often face substantial hardships that extend beyond immediate physical health issues. Legal compensation can address various impacts of these mistakes on a patient’s well-being and financial stability.

• Emergency and follow-up care. Receiving the wrong medication can result in adverse reactions that require immediate treatment, including hospitalization and specialized follow-up care.
• Long-term health management. Some patients may need ongoing care to manage complications from receiving the incorrect drug, which can include monitoring for organ damage or permanent disability.
• Loss of income. Many patients are forced to take time off work or may be unable to return to their previous employment due to complications. Compensation can help cover these lost wages and, in some cases, lost earning capacity.
• Emotional and physical hardship. Patients often experience pain, discomfort, and emotional distress due to wrong medication errors. Damages for pain and suffering can acknowledge this impact, providing support as they recover.

Wrong medication errors highlight the critical importance of accountability in healthcare. If you or someone close to you has been affected by such a mistake, Foran & Foran’s Prince George’s County's wrong medication attorneys are prepared to assist you in securing fair compensation and pursuing justice.

Were You Given the Wrong Medication and Suffered as a Result?

Receiving the incorrect medication can lead to serious health risks and unexpected complications. Foran & Foran’s experienced attorneys are here to hold those responsible accountable and to help you recover the compensation you deserve. With over 85 years of combined experience and a history of successful outcomes, we understand the challenges you’re facing and are committed to advocating on your behalf. Our contingency fee approach means you pay nothing upfront and only pay if we win. Call Foran & Foran today at 301-441-2022 to schedule a free consultation. We proudly represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville, and surrounding areas.

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