Medication Errors & Michigan Medical Malpractice Lawsuits
1.3 million Americans are injured every year due to medication errors. These errors are preventable. The National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention, defines a medication error as any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm while medication is in the control of the health care professional.
Our medical malpractice Michigan lawyers will help you if you believe that you or a family member have suffered injuries due to a medication error. The negligent medical provider may be liable for significant damages for the failure to provide appropriate treatment, especially when the injuries and damages caused by the improper treatment are substantial.
Most Common Medication Errors
Some of the most common medication errors include:
Incorrect dose of medicine
Giving a mistaken drug to a patient
Giving out to many prescriptions
Mixing the incorrect combination of drugs
Packaging
Product labeling
Distribution
Monitoring
Medication Error Statistics
According to a study done by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), between 1993 and 1998:
41% of fatal medication errors involved administration of an improper dose of medicine.
16% of medication errors accounted for giving the wrong drug and using the wrong route of administration.
Almost half of the fatal medication errors occurred in people over the age of 60.
Prevent Medication Errors
Unfortunately, medication errors will happen, and even though they are due to the negligence of a doctor or hospital for example, it is a good idea to follow a few of these safety precautions to help prevent mediation errors. These include:
Ask the hospital or your doctor to explain clear directions and explanations for any medication he or she is prescribing (name of the drug, correct dosage, what the drug is used for, storage requirements, any special instructions)
Be sure to tell your doctor the names of all prescriptions and non-prescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal prepartaions you are taking at the time he or she writes the prescription
Be sure to tell your doctor of any pre-existing health conditions you have had, as well as your current health condition.
Make sure your doctor is aware of any allergens you may have, as certain medications may cause you to have an allergic reaction.
Never be afraid to ask questions. If you are ever in suspicion of any mediation you are taking, make to ask, and ask right away.
FREE Michigan Medical Malpractice Book
If you would like more information about your legal rights as a result of medication error, you can order our FREE book, "The Ultimate Michigan Medical Malpractice Handbook," by Michiganmedical malpractice attorney Lawrence J. Buckfire. The book is an insider's report on medical malpractice claims and includes why most malpractice victims never receive compensation for their injuries. Our book sells for $14.95 on Amazon but Lawrence will send it to you for FREE!
Contact Your Michigan Mediation Error Attorney Today
Patients and their families should contact our firm if they believe that a hospital medication error caused injuries and illness to the patient. Call us now at (800) 606-1717 to speak with one of our experienced Michigan medical malpractice lawyers about your case.
