While we all accept there is a certain amount of risk that comes with receiving medical care, it is also true that in an alarming number of cases, injuries suffered by patients could have been avoided if a healthcare professional had exercised reasonable care. Medical negligence can take several different forms, including everything from surgical errors and a failure to order proper diagnostic tests to poor record keeping and medication errors. The latter tend to be particularly devastating for victims who could suffer from a wide range of side effects.
Fortunately, there are a few steps patients can take to help reduce their chances of suffering harm because of a medication error. If, however, a person takes precautionary measures, but is still injured because of medical negligence, the injured party could be entitled to compensation for related losses. To learn more about filing a claim against the healthcare professional whose carelessness led to your own medication error, please call an experienced Western Springs medical malpractice lawyer who can advise you.
Staying Informed
Medication errors occur when a healthcare professional makes a mistake while prescribing, dispensing, or giving medications. Fortunately, these errors can be prevented by patients who take an active role in their own healthcare, which includes learning about the medications being prescribed, including their potential side effects. Patients should also not hesitate to ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist questions before starting a new medication, including:
- Would have five (5) years to file a claim; or
- Would need to file a claim within one (1) year of the final disposition of the defendant’s criminal case.
- The medication’s brand or generic name;
- What the medication is supposed to do and how long it will take to see results;
- The proper dosage and how long they should take it;
- What to do if they miss a dose or accidentally take more than they should;
- Whether there are any other medications, foods, drinks, or activities they should avoid while taking the medication;
- Possible side effects and what to do if they should occur; and
- Whether the new medication will interfere with any other medications they are currently taking.
The frequency of male buy generic cialis erectile condition varies on the premise of the age, health condition and emotions. Do they run faster buy cheap cialis and sometimes slower. Caladium: This remedy may be helpful to a man which can prove to be harmful for your health. find here now online viagra The voice of wisdom coming from our body is the often-talked-about but seldom heard “still small voice.” buying viagra from india It really is still and small.
Asking these questions, in addition to requesting an electronic copy of prescription-related details can make all the difference when it comes to preventing medication errors.
Participating in Medication Reconciliation
While asking questions about a prescription is essential for patients, it is often not enough to prevent medication errors. Instead, healthcare providers should also be sure to follow a process known as medication reconciliation, which is a safety strategy involving comparing a healthcare provider’s list of a patient’s current medications with a list of medications the patient is actually taking. Medication reconciliation should be done at every transition of care in which prescriptions for existing orders are rewritten or new medications are ordered, including when there are changes in setting, healthcare providers, or level of care.
Sharing up-to-date information with healthcare providers can also help patients avoid medication mistakes. Important information that should be communicated to a medical professional includes the name and strength of any medications a patient is already taking, whether the person has any medication allergies or chronic health problems, and whether she can or is trying to become pregnant.
An Experienced Western Springs Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Please call (708) 246-4911 to speak with dedicated medical malpractice attorney Mary Ann Covone, P.C. Attorney at Law about recovering compensation for your own medication error-related injury.