Atlanta Medication Error Lawyer

The Consequences of a Mistake

The prevalence of drugs in our society has exploded throughout the last 50 years. Without proper education and information readily available, many people do not realize the potentially harmful effects of these drugs and medications and the dangerous consequences of their misuse. We usually rely on our doctors and health care providers to do that for us. When they fail in the task, tragedy can result. 

If you or a loved one has been affected by a medication error, we urge you to contact an Atlanta medication error lawyer at The Tolson Firm, LLC to talk about what happened. We are experienced and knowledgeable regarding all types of medical malpractice.

Medication errors make up a large part of all malpractice claims. They can cause many tragic results in addition to extended hospital stays and treatments resulting in thousands of dollars of additional costs. Too little or too much of certain medications can equally result in damage. The damage caused can be permanent, requiring medical or home care for the rest of one's life. When proper tests are not conducted to detect potential allergic reactions, the repercussions can be severe and a victim can suffer the consequences for the remainder of their life.

Speak to an Atlanta medication error lawyer immediately at (404) 800-9166 if you have become the victim of a medication-related mistake.

Medication Errors Are Surprisingly Common

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), medication errors are responsible for anywhere between 7,000 and 9,000 deaths each year. The FDA receives more than 100,000 reports each year involving suspected medication errors, though many studies estimate this number is even higher when considering unreported cases. The total cost of looking after patients with medication-associated errors exceeds $40 billion each year.

Types of Medication Errors

Almost every facet of the healthcare system in the United States utilizes various medications, including pharmacies, hospitals, emergency rooms, nursing homes, etc. For this reason, it is almost inevitable that mistakes will be made. Just like any other type of profession, medical workers are subjected to grueling hours, hectic work environments, and a variety of distractions throughout the day, but when their careless actions cause a patient under their case to be injured or made ill, there is no excuse that can excuse their responsibility. As such, if you have been subjected to any of the following mistakes, you should not hesitate to discuss the nature of your injury with an experienced lawyer.

Common types of medication errors include:

• Administering the wrong type of medication
• Administering the wrong dosage of medication
• Improperly labeling a medication container
• Mixing up two or more patients' prescriptions

Common causes of medication errors include:

• Distractions
• Distortions
• Illegible writing
• Misunderstanding how drugs interact with each other
• Misplaced decimal points
• Failure to consider the patient's age
• Unclear or incomplete instructions
• Using abbreviations with multiple meanings
• Failure to specify the duration of treatment

Understanding the Consequences of Medication Errors

Medication errors can have serious and even life-threatening consequences for patients. From incorrect dosages to administering the wrong medication, these mistakes can result in prolonged illness, worsened medical conditions, or even death. It's important to understand the potential impact of medication errors and the legal options available to seek justice for the harm caused.

Common consequences of medication errors include:

• Adverse reactions and side effects
• Worsened medical conditions
• Hospitalization and extended medical treatment
• Permanent injury or disability
• Wrongful death

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a medication error, it's crucial to seek legal advice to understand your rights and options for pursuing a medical malpractice claim. Our experienced Atlanta medication error lawyers are here to provide the guidance and representation you need to seek justice and fair compensation for the harm caused.