Orange County Medication Error Attorney
Each year in the United States, thousands of people lose their lives due to medication errors. Victims of these errors often receive the wrong medication, an incorrect dosage, drugs they are allergic to, or a harmful combination of medications. These mistakes can be especially dangerous for young children and the elderly, who are more vulnerable due to their weaker immune systems and lower tolerance to chemicals.
If you or a loved one has been injured or lost their life due to a medication error, you’re not alone. The compassionate and experienced Orange County medication error lawyers at Aitken * Aitken * Cohn are here to help. We will review your case at no cost and inform you of your legal rights and options. Contact us today for a free consultation.
A Problem That Could Have Been Avoided
Although 90 percent of medication errors can be prevented by following proper procedures, thousands of people continue to suffer from these mistakes. Medication errors can stem from issues such as illegible handwriting by doctors, incorrect prescriptions, or confusion between similar drug names. Research shows that the most common types of medication errors are:
- Administering the wrong medication
- Providing the incorrect dose
- Giving wrong directions for use
Thoroughly reviewing a patient’s current medications, medical history, and other health factors that could impact their response to medication can help reduce the likelihood of these errors.
The Impact of Medication Errors
With so many medications available, it’s easy for healthcare providers, including nurses, to become confused. Some drugs have similar names, are packaged in identical or similar bottles, or are stored next to each other, all of which can increase the risk of errors. These mistakes can become serious legal issues if they lead to significant injuries. In severe cases, medication errors might result in death or conditions like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, which causes severe skin reactions. If you or a loved one has been affected by a medication error, it’s crucial to seek all possible forms of compensation. Contact an attorney to explore your options.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Successful Medication Error Claim?
The damages you can receive after a medication error will vary depending on the specifics of your case. In severe instances, patients have secured damages totaling millions of dollars due to medication mistakes. These damages typically cover economic losses caused by your injuries. If the medication error required immediate medical treatment, those costs, along with ongoing medical needs, rehabilitation, and future projected expenses, are included. Additionally, if you missed work or experienced income loss due to the error, you may be compensated for those financial losses.
However, economic damages are just one aspect of the harm these injuries can cause. Courts also award damages for pain and suffering and the overall impact on your life. In cases of wrongful death, the family can seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. To understand the specific damages you might be entitled to, contact an experienced Orange County medical malpractice attorney.
Speak With an Orange County Medication Error Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injury or death due to a medication error, it’s important to know that you have the right to take legal action against the responsible doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other healthcare professional. A knowledgeable and experienced medical malpractice attorney can carefully investigate your case, manage the required paperwork, and assist you in recovering both economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
Please contact us today to speak with an experienced Orange County personal injury attorney at Aitken * Aitken * Cohn FREE of charge.
