Medication errors and “adverse drug events” (ADEs) cause serious injuries to thousands of unsuspecting patients each year. In some cases, medication errors or ADEs can be fatal. Doctors, pharmacists and nurses are responsible for ensuring that their patients receive the right medications and in the appropriate dosage. When they fail to do so, they may be guilty of negligence and medical malpractice.

Medication errors can occur at anytime and in a variety of places—including in your home, in your doctor’s office, in the hospital or at the pharmacy.

Common Types of Medication Error

• Administration of the wrong medication
• Administration to the wrong patient
• Incorrect dosage
• Medication inappropriate for the patient’s condition
• Medication inappropriate for the patient based on medical history
• Multiple prescriptions given in inappropriate combinations
• Administration of experimental drugs without patient consent

Despite advances in medical science and the implementation of strict industry standards, medication mistakes happen far too frequently. Doctor error in prescribing, pharmacist errors in labeling or dispensing, or nurse error in the administration of the medication are frequently to blame for a patient’s injuries.

Common Causes of Medication Error

• Poor labeling and packaging of medications
• Poor handwriting
• Failure to fully review a patient’s medical records for drug allergies
• Failure to fully review a patient’s medical records for other prescriptions
• Failure to adjust doses according to health changes in a patient
• Inadequate warnings provided by a drug manufacturer

Because medication errors can occur in many ways and for many different reasons, it is often difficult to determine who is responsible. If you suspect that you or a loved one has been seriously injured as result of a medication error, it is vital that you talk to an experienced medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. This is especially important given the strict limitations on the time in which you can bring medical malpractice lawsuit.

Experienced Medication Lawsuit Attorneys

We have handled thousands of medical malpractice claims over the last 30 years, recovering millions of dollars in damages for individuals in Wyoming and nationwide. Our team of medically-qualified trial attorneys and nurse consultants are able to quickly and effectively evaluate your claim.