One of the most commonplace types of medical malpractice in Pennsylvania involves medication errors. A study has revealed that almost 1.5 million medication errors occur in the United States annually. That translates to a medication error occurring in the country approximately every 21 seconds.
Types of medication errors
As a type of medical malpractice, medication errors happen in a number of different ways. The most frequently occurring medication errors include:
- Prescribing the wrong medication
- Dispensing the wrong medication, although a correct drug was prescribed
- Providing a patient with an incorrect dose of medication
- Failing to provide a patient a medication dose in a timely manner
The costly consequences of medication errors
The costs associated with medical malpractice in the form of medication errors are significant. Some of the more common examples of these costs include:
- Failure to provide proper treatment to a patient
- Aggravation of a patient’s underlying health or medical condition, disease or issue
- Patient pain and suffering
- Physical injury to a patient
In addition to these tangible examples of costs associated with medication errors, this type of medical malpractice works to further erode confidence of the public in the medical system more generally. This exhibits itself in situations in which the public is asked to take steps like obtaining vaccinations for viral diseases like the annual flu, shingles, and COVID-19.
Parties who bear responsibility for medication errors
A number of parties can bear responsibility for medication errors. Medical malpractice claims oftentimes are brought against multiple parties in the aftermath of a medication error. These can include:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Other medical personnel
- Medical centers
- Pharmacies
- Pharmaceutical companies
A person injured because of a medication error needs to be diligent in protecting their legal interests. This includes proactively consulting with an experienced medical malpractice attorney.
