Medication Error Lawyer
Most American adults take at least one medication each day. The CDC estimates that 82% of adults take at least one medication, with 29% taking five or more. Due to the vast amounts of pharmaceuticals being prescribed and dispensed, there is a concern with patients receiving the wrong medications or not receiving the proper instructions. When pharmacy errors happen, injury and even death can occur, hurting those only trying to get the health care they need through prescription medications.
Adverse drug events, or ADEs, are too common of an occurrence. This can happen when a person takes too much of a medication, combines the wrong medications or receives the wrong medication. The CDC reports that over a million emergency room visits occur each year due to ADEs and about 280,000 hospitalizations, costing $3.5 billion annually.
Common Types of Medication Mistakes
Many of the medication errors that occur and cause ADEs happen at the pharmacy. Many busy pharmacies are filling hundreds of prescriptions a day. While controls are put in place to reduce the risks of placing the wrong drug in the wrong bottle, or giving a medication to the wrong patient, mistakes happen. Overworked or distracted pharmacy personnel can give patients the wrong medication, putting them at risk for an ADE.
Imagine not getting the medication you need to control seizures, but something completely different. Or taking what you think is a drug to help lower your blood pressure, which can stimulate the heart instead? When these mistakes occur, they can have serious health consequences, even death.
If you have received the wrong medication and been injured or lost a loved one due to a medication error, our team at Moriarty Injury Lawyer can help you explore your legal rights. You may be able to receive compensation for your injuries and expenses. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation to discuss your medication error case.