Tampa Medication Error Lawyer
We rely on doctors and pharmacists to give us the right medications to help us with our medical conditions. We expect that we will get the correct drug and dosage from the pharmacy and be able to safely use the drug without complications.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Medication errors occur at high rates, even though these mistakes are preventable. While it’s possible that the patient may cause their own injuries due to errors such as overdosing, most errors are caused by mistakes by doctors and pharmacists.
A medication error can cause life-threatening medical issues, disability, and even death. If you or a loved one has been a victim, seek legal help from the Tampa medication error lawyers at Anderson & Anderson.
What Causes Medication Errors?
- Poor communication between your doctors. Your doctors may not be prescribing the right medications for your condition because they may assume you are already taking the right ones. This is what happens when your doctors don’t communicate well.
- Poor communication between you and your doctors. If your doctor doesn’t help you understand a new medication and how it works, you may not take it properly.
- Drug names that sound alike and medications that look alike. The pharmacist can get confused when the doctor prescribes a medication that has a similar name as another. Medications may also look like each other. These issues can lead to a mixup that can result in serious side effects.
- Medical abbreviations. Doctors often use abbreviations to save time, but when a pharmacist does not understand these abbreviations and does not confirm with the doctor, the pharmacist’s assumptions can lead to complications.
What Patients Can Do to Stay Safe
The good news is, as a patient, there’s a lot you can do to prevent these errors, such as:
- Communicate with your doctor. Make sure you let your doctor know what medications you are currently taking and which ones you are allergic to. Also, let your doctor know if you are pregnant, as some medications can harm your baby.
- Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to speak up. If you’re not sure about something regarding the drug, it never hurts to ask your doctor. In fact, not asking could harm you.
- Stay organized. Keep medications in their original containers. Use a pill dispenser to stay on schedule so you don’t miss any doses. Also, keep information sheets that come with the drugs.
- Double-check. When you pick up a prescription, make sure it’s yours. Do not take anyone else’s medications, nor should you take someone else’s.
Contact Our Tampa Medication Error Lawyers Today
Medication errors can cause a variety of life-threatening complications. It’s important that doctors and pharmacists work together to reduce errors and keep patients safe.
If you were injured by a medication error, there are multiple parties who could be at fault. The Tampa medication error lawyers at Anderson & Anderson can help you determine liability and get you the compensation you deserve for your damages. Fill out the online form or call 813-251-0072 to schedule a free consultation.
