In the healthcare industry, the effective and safe administration of medications and prescription drugs is paramount to the well-being of patients. Unfortunately, however, medication errors, though preventable, remain a significant concern and cause of numerous patient injuries and even deaths in New York and the United States each year.
If you or a loved one has suffered consequences resulting from a medication error in or near New York City, you are not alone. At the Law Offices of Steve Newman, we pride ourselves on helping victims of medication errors fight for their rights to get the compensation they need and deserve as they move forward. Use our guide below to learn more about medication and prescription drug errors and see what a New York City medication error attorney can do for you.
NYC Medication Errors: An Overview
Medication errors constitute a type of medical negligence claim, where the wrongful or negligent actions of another result in harm to the victim. Before moving forward with your legal claim, here are a few things to be aware of.
What Is a Medication Error?
The National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCCMERP) defines medication error as “any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm while the medication is in the control of the health care professional, patient, or consumer.”
Common examples of medication errors include:
- Expired products,
- Medications taken for incorrect durations,
- Incorrect preparation before administration,
- Incorrect dosage, and
- Dispensing a drug to a patient with a relevant allergy.
While this list is illustrative of some types of medication errors that frequently occur, it is by no means exhaustive. Regardless of the particular facts in your case, if you believe you may be a victim of medication error, be sure to speak with an experienced legal professional to discuss your rights and options as soon as practicable.
Causes of Medication Errors
When you take medication at the direction of a medical professional, you do so expecting that it was prescribed to you by someone with a particular level of medical expertise. Unfortunately, however, medical professionals sometimes fall short of the standard of care that is expected in the industry.
In many cases, medication errors are entirely preventable and are the result of simple causes such as:
- Forgetfulness,
- Hurrying,
- Carelessness,
- Poor handwriting,
- Inexperienced staff,
- Understaffing issues,
- Poor communication, and
- Lack of follow-up or appropriate monitoring of patients.
No matter the precise cause, the fact remains that the results of a medication error can be severe.
Consequences of Medication and Prescription Errors
According to one study, 7,000 to 9,000 people in the United States die as a result of medication errors each year. In addition to these deaths, hundreds of thousands more patients experience adverse reactions or other complications resulting from their medications.
These errors cause not only physical pain and suffering but also psychological harm and significant associated costs. In fact, it is estimated that the annual cost arising from medication-associated errors exceeds $40 billion each year.
How the Law Offices of Steve Newman Can Help with Your Medication Error Claims
While nothing can turn back time and undo the harm you’ve suffered, it’s important to remember that there are ways to help you move forward in the aftermath. Through a medication error lawsuit, you may be able to pursue valuable compensation that will allow you to recover and get the care and attention you need and deserve moving forward. An experienced prescription drug error attorney can help you do just that.
For example, an attorney can help you:
- Identify the party or parties responsible for the medication error in your case so that you can hold them accountable;
- Gather crucial evidence and information to help support your claims;
- Identify, interview, and prepare witnesses who may be able to testify on your behalf;
- Assess the strengths and weaknesses of your claims and determine the total amount of damages you may be entitled to recover;
- Draft and file important documents with the court;
- Negotiate potential claims with opposing parties and their insurance companies; and
- Prepare for and take your case to trial when a favorable settlement resolution is not attainable.
In short, having legal counsel on your side can take the stress off your shoulders while you work to recover from the consequences of your medication-error-related injuries.
Steve Newman: New York City Medication Error Attorney You Can Count On
When you’re ready to discuss your case with a qualified and experienced NYC medication error attorney, look no further than the Law Offices of Steve Newman.
Founded in 1991, we have been litigating personal injury cases for decades. Thus, when you hire us, you can rest assured knowing that we have the background and experience necessary to fight zealously for you and your rights.
Consultations are always free. So contact us today to get started and see how we can help you move forward today.
FAQs
Do I Need a Prescription Drug Error Lawyer to Pursue My Claims?
No. Victims of medication error in New York are not required to hire an attorney when pursuing their legal claims. Nevertheless, doing so can provide a number of critical benefits to your case moving forward—from legal expertise, to drafting court paperwork, to logistical assistance in navigating the process generally, and beyond. Thus, even though a lawyer is not required, hiring one is certainly worth considering.
Can I Sue for a Medication Error Resulting in Death?
Yes. If a medication error results in the death of a loved one, you may have grounds to pursue legal action in what is known as a wrongful death lawsuit. In such a lawsuit, certain surviving family members of the deceased may seek compensation for loss of financial support, benefits, companionship, and other damages resulting from their loss.
What Is the Average Settlement or Judgment Amount in a Medication Error Lawsuit?
There is no “average” settlement or judgment amount in a New York City medication error case. This is because the amount will vary from case to case depending on the particular facts and circumstances at play. That said, an experienced NYC medication error attorney can assess your case and help you determine what your claims might ultimately be worth.
Call us today for free consultation, our toll free number is 800-690-9880.