Pharmacy Mistakes and Legal Action
An important part of many healthcare treatment plans are pharmacies and the medications they provide. While the communication system between Florida doctors and professionals who provide medications is often smooth and effective, there are other situations where pharmacy errors occur. When mistakes are made, there can be severe consequences, leading to injuries or illness.
To have the specifics of your case reviewed, talk to a Delray Beach personal injury attorney. Lawyers can talk to you about different types of pharmacy mistakes and when errors warrant legal action.
Exploring Types of Pharmacy Mistakes
Dispensing the wrong medication is a serious mistake. This can happen due to similar-sounding drug names, packaging errors, or confusion in the prescription filling process. Administering the wrong drug can lead to adverse reactions, exacerbation of medical conditions, or new health issues.
And a disbursement of the wrong drug isn’t the only error that is possible. Miscommunication between healthcare providers, patients, and pharmacists can result in incomplete or unclear prescriptions.
Another situation that could lead to an injured party moving to hold a pharmacy accountable would be providing the wrong dosage of a medication. A simple miscalculation or misinterpretation of prescription instructions can lead to incorrect dosages. For the patient, this could mean ineffective treatment or harm to the individual’s health.
When a Pharmacist Can Be Held Responsible
As anyone with a serious health issue can attest, there can be a lot of different people on a person’s healthcare team. If a pharmacy can be liable means determining whether the pharmacy and pharmacist adhered to the standard of care expected in their profession. Factors that may indicate the fault of a pharmacist include the following.
- Failure to verify. Pharmacists are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of prescriptions, validating that the medication prescribed matches the patient’s needs.
- Negligent dispensing. There are dispensing processes in place, such as double-checking the medication and dosage, failing to do so could lead to a pharmacy being held accountable.
- Lack of counseling. People in the professional position of pharmacist are expected to provide counseling to patients regarding proper medication usage, potential side effects, and interactions. If they do not do so, adverse outcomes can result.
When there are injuries or illnesses as a result of pharmacy mistakes, it can be grounds for legal action. Victims may pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.
Drug cases can be complicated, and navigating the legal complexities of a South Palm Beach County pharmacy mistake case will typically require the expertise of a Delray Beach personal injury attorney. A Florida injury attorney can assess the circumstances and identify liable parties. Their knowledge of personal injury law, pharmaceutical regulations, and experience in handling similar cases can significantly strengthen the victim’s position.
Where were you when you were given medication that made you ill? When harm is the result of a reckless pharmacist, seek guidance from the lawyers at Earnhart Law. To connect with over 30 years of experience, schedule a no-cost consultation. Call 561-265-2220 or contact us online.