Prescription medicine errors occur all too often. These are entirely preventable mistakes that should never occur, yet estimates from the Institute of Medicine report that as many as 1.5 million adverse drug events occur as a result of medication errors every year in the United States alone. When patients are prescribed the wrong type or dosage of medication, the results can be disastrous.
At The Mellino Law Firm, we work to hold negligent medical professionals, pharmacies, hospitals, and others accountable. Our Cleveland, Ohio medication error attorneys have over 40 years of legal experience and can handle all types of medication error claims.
Contact us online or by calling (440) 333-3800. Initial consultations are free.
Some of the most common examples of prescription errors include:
Read more about prescription overdose here.
According to the International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, the rate of prescription errors is almost 10%. Mistakes with prescriptions and medicine can be very serious and could potentially cause:
One of the most vulnerable times for patients is immediately after a hospital discharge. In a study published by the Annals of Internal Medicine, 19% of patients had adverse events after being discharged, 66% of which were related to prescription drug errors. Only 17% of adverse events affecting patients were attributable to procedure-related injuries.
While patients accept a certain degree of risk when taking pharmaceutical and other medical drugs, they also understandably trust their doctors to prescribe the right drugs and pharmacists to correctly fill prescriptions. In fact, medical professionals must uphold a reasonable standard of care. Mistakes are most often the result of medical negligence.
Some of the most common causes of medication and prescription errors include:
If you’re unsure whether you have a prescription error claim, The Mellino Law Firm can help. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options at (440) 333-3800.
*Past results are not a guarantee of future case outcomes. Every claim is unique.
“Outstanding! Everyone at The Mellino Law Firm treated me and my kids like family. They went above and beyond to make sure we were well taken care of throughout the entire process of my case. Top-notch attorneys and staff! I highly recommend Mellino Law Firm. The attorneys and staff are professional, honest, compassionate, and knowledgeable advocates who will not stop until you receive the justice you deserve.” – Jamie K.
“Mellino Law handled my medical malpractice case with exemplary professionalism. They managed everything with minimal disruption to me and ultimately were able to get a better settlement than I was initially expecting without even having to go to trial. Also, considering the major lifelong health issues I now have to contend with, everyone I dealt with at the firm did a great job listening to my concerns and responding with respect, sensitivity, and kindness.” – John M.
“Mellino Law Firm is a top-notch legal practice. The firm’s expertise in navigating complex medical malpractice cases is matched by their commitment to providing friendly and professional service. Clients can expect thorough and compassionate representation, making Mellino Law Firm a reliable choice for those in need of expert legal assistance in the medical malpractice field. Their approachable and knowledgeable team consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcomes for their clients. Highly recommended!” – Joe
Like most medical malpractice claims, those involving prescription errors and medication mistakes are incredibly complex. If you believe you were injured or suffered complications as a result of such an error, it is important that you contact an experienced attorney who can help you understand your various options.
The Cleveland prescription and medicine error lawyers at The Mellino Law Firm understand the complexities of this particular area of law. We work tirelessly to help you navigate the process of filing a claim. Our goal is twofold: to both help you recover the just compensation you are owed and to hold negligent doctors, pharmacists, hospitals, and medical facilities liable. Throughout our decades in practice, we have successfully secured millions of dollars for our clients.
Contact us today to request a free and confidential case evaluation; call (440) 333-3800 to get started.
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What To Do if Your Doctor Made a Medication Error
Use the same pharmacy every time you have medication filled. This eliminates confusion about what medicines you are taking and when you last had them filled.
Keep an active medication list. Make sure it stays updated with all of your medicines and over-the-counter supplements, especially if something changes.
Verify your prescriptions. Check the label on your medications before leaving the pharmacy to make sure it matches your name and that dosing instructions match how your doctor told you to take the medicine.
Go to the emergency room. If you’re having an allergic reaction or symptoms of a serious adverse event, get medical help as soon as possible.
Contact your doctor right away or get a second opinion. Do not stop taking the medicine unless a doctor informs you to do so.
Report the event. You may be able to file a report with your pharmacy’s management or with the medical board if you suspect your doctor may have made a prescribing mistake.
Not all prescription errors are considered medical malpractice. Some adverse drug events aren’t preventable and are the result of inherent risk when taking medication. To fall under the umbrella of malpractice, a few things must be proven first, including that you were owed a duty of care and that duty was breached as a result of negligence. Then, you must show that you suffered damages, such as additional medical expenses, physical harm, and/or emotional trauma.
*This is not a substitute for medical advice. This content is for general purposes only and should not be used for the diagnosis of any medical condition or physician error.
If you or a loved one were harmed by a prescription drug, the doctor who prescribed it or the pharmacy that filled it may have made a mistake. We can investigate your case and determine if you have a claim. Contact us now for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation by calling (440) 333-3800.
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