Medication is a regular part of many people’s medical treatment plans. Whether you have minor injuries or need severe medical intervention, medication likely plays a role. Unfortunately, medication errors are known to occur, and patients may be badly hurt. If that happens, get medical help immediately and call a lawyer.
You may sue those responsible for the medication errors that caused your injuries. This may include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and the medical institutions they work for. Many medication errors involve mixing up meds, administering incorrect dosages, or prescribing the entirely wrong medication. Some medications are extremely powerful and dangerous, and your injuries may be severe.
Ask our Arkansas medical malpractice lawyers for a free, private legal assessment by calling our offices at (479) 316-0438.
Who Can You Sue for Injuries Caused by Medication Errors in Arkansas
You may sue various medical professional sand institutions involved in your care. It might be unclear exactly how and where the errors occurred, and our legal team can investigate.
Doctors
Medication often begins with a doctor or another medical professional authorized to write prescriptions. The doctor in charge of diagnosing and treating your condition will likely prescribe the medication. Sometimes, doctors prescribe incorrect medication, and the patient ends up getting hurt, or their condition worsens.
This might involve the doctor prescribing the wrong medication or the right medication at the wrong dosage. When the dosage is incorrect, a patient may experience adverse effects, even if the medication is the right one for their treatment.
Nurses
While doctors prescribe medication, a nurse is likely the one who administers it to a patient in the hospital. This means the nurse must go to the medication storage area, retrieve the necessary medication in the correct dosage, and properly administer it to the patient.
If the nurse makes a mistake, the patient may be hurt. They might accidentally take out the wrong meds or administer a dangerously high dosage.
Pharmacists
Medication errors can occur when the pharmacist fills your prescription. Pharmacists deal with a lot of different medications, and it can be all too easy for them to mix them up or fill the wrong dosage.
You might leave the pharmacy thinking you have the right medication, but you actually have pills that are extremely dangerous and will hurt you rather than help.
Hospitals
The hospital itself might be liable as the employer of the medical professional that made the errors. It might also be responsible for other failings, such as uncleanly medication storage areas, pharmacy errors (for hospital-based pharmacies), and other mistakes by hospital staff.
Pharmacies
If a pharmacist is responsible for a medication error, you may sue them and the pharmacy they work for. Employers are typically responsible for injuries caused by negligent employees as long as those employees are acting in furtherance of their normal job duties. This usually means the pharmacy is on the hook for an injured patient’s damages.
How Can Someone Be Injured from Medication Errors?
While medication is designed to help patients, it can cause serious injuries if it is prescribed or administered incorrectly.
Allergic Reactions
Many patients experience serious allergic reactions because of medication errors. If you are prescribed incorrect medication, you might have a painful allergic reaction to its ingredients.
Allergic reactions can be more than painful. Sometimes, they can be deadly. Patients might experience respiratory problems, throat swelling, drops in blood pressure, or even anaphylactic shock.
Dangerous Medication Combinations
In other cases, a patient might be prescribed multiple medications or already be taking medication when they are prescribed something new. Doctors must be very careful to learn the patient’s complete medical history, including any medications the patient is already taking, as these may be dangerous when mixed with other meds.
Painful Side Effects
Medications tend to come with various side effects. These side effects may range from mild to severe, and doctors must fully inform patients of all possible side effects before they agree to take the medication.
When medication errors occur, the patient might end up taking the wrong medication that comes with side effects they were not informed of.
What Damages Can You Claim in a Lawsuit for Medication Errors?
Damages in cases involving medication errors can be significant, especially if the victim has a very severe reaction to the medication.
Medical Costs
You should claim the cost of medical care related to the adverse reaction to the medication. If your reaction is severe, you may need long-term care, and you may claim the cost of future medical treatment.
Lost Income
You may need to step away from your job while you recover from your injuries, and you may lose valuable income. The longer you cannot work, the more income you might lose, and the greater your damages should be.
Pain, Suffering, and Distress
Medication errors can cause serious adverse reactions in patients, and they may endure significant physical pain. Not only that, but being injured due to a medication error can be extremely distressing. Many victims are horrified that such a simple mistake could cause such terrible pain, and they may claim substantial damages for pain and suffering.
FAQs About How to Sue for Injuries from Medication Errors in Arkansas
What Should You Do if You Were Hurt Because of a Medication Error?
If you believe you have been injured due to a medication error, go to the hospital immediately. Be sure to bring the medication you were prescribed with you so a doctor can properly identify it and determine if it is the medication you should have received.
Who Should You Sue for Injuries Caused by Medication Errors?
You may sue the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist who prescribed, administered, or filled the medication. You may also sue the hospital or pharmacy they work for.
How Long After a Medication Error Can You File a Lawsuit?
Generally, patients injured due to medical negligence in Arkansas have 2 years from the date of their injury to file a lawsuit.
What if You Do Not Learn About a Medication Error Until Much Later?
If you did not realize that a medication error caused your injuries until much later, you may have 2 years from the day you discovered the cause of your injuries.
Ask Our Arkansas Medical Malpractice Lawyers for Legal Support Today
Ask our Bentonville, AR medical malpractice lawyers for a free, private legal assessment by calling our offices at (479) 316-0438.