The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies has estimated that at least 1.5 million preventable medication injuries occur in the United States each year. Similarly, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has said that medication errors result in at least one death each day and 1.3 million injuries each year. Whether a medication mistake occurs in a hospital, clinic, doctor’s office, nursing home or at the pharmacy counter, any prescription, dosage or administration error poses a serious health risk to the patient. Unfortunately, the Institute of Medicine reports that medication errors commonly occur at every step of the medication process – from procuring drugs to prescribing, dispensing, administering and monitoring them. Some of the most common mix-ups result from incomplete patient information; unavailable drug information, such as lack of interaction warnings; miscommunication of drug orders, such as confusing drugs with similar names, illegible handwriting and errors in dosing units; lack of appropriate labeling; and distracted health professionals who make mistakes in prescribing or administering a drug.

Certainly health care providers such as doctors, nurses and pharmacists try their best to avoid errors and help patients attain optimum health. Still, in light of the frightening frequency with which medication mistakes occur, we urge patients to take an active role in their health care. This means being forthcoming with medical information, asking questions of all those involved in our care and making sure we educate ourselves about medication uses and doses. Remember to double check prescriptions and keep current lists of all of medications you are taking, including over-the-counter remedies.

If you suspect that you or a loved has suffered harm as a result of a medication error, it is crucial to consult with a medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can help you secure all of the compensation to which you may be entitled. This may include compensation for pain and suffering, financial loss, emotional distress and medical expenses. In some cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages for another party’s wrongdoing. Our dedicated trial lawyers can also help you deal with your insurance company, as well as the insurer of the other party or parties. The insurance companies have lawyers working hard to minimize their payouts; you need a medical malpractice attorney who will work just as hard for you.

At Feldman Shepherd, we are committed to helping our clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey obtain the best possible recovery as expeditiously as possible. We are here to serve you with hard work, attention to detail and a caring approach tailored to your individual needs. If we may be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us today.