Medication Mistakes: How Prescriptions Can Lead to Medical Malpractice Claims in New York

Medication errors are one of the most common causes of medical malpractice in the United States. These mistakes can happen in hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, or even during home care. While medications are meant to heal, incorrect prescriptions or improper administration can cause serious injury, prolonged illness, or even death. Understanding how these errors occur and knowing your legal options is essential for protecting yourself and your family. The Law Offices of Ted A. Novick has extensive experience helping patients in New York pursue justice when medication mistakes result in harm.

What Are Medication Mistakes?

Medication mistakes, also known as medication errors, occur when a patient receives the wrong drug, the wrong dosage, or improper instructions for use. These errors can happen at any stage of the medication process, including:

• Prescribing: The doctor prescribes the wrong medication or dose, fails to consider allergies, or overlooks interactions with other drugs.

• Transcribing: Errors occur when prescriptions are misread or incorrectly entered into a computer system.

• Dispensing: The pharmacist provides the wrong medication, dosage, or instructions.

• Administration: Nurses or caregivers give the medication incorrectly, at the wrong time, or in the wrong amount.

Even small mistakes can have severe consequences. For example, giving a patient a medication meant for someone else or a higher-than-recommended dose can lead to organ damage, seizures, or other life-threatening complications.

Common Causes of Medication Errors

Medication mistakes often result from systemic issues or human error. Some of the most common causes include:

• Similar drug names: Medications with similar spellings or pronunciations can be confused.

• Miscommunication: Lack of clear communication between doctors, pharmacists, and patients.

• Incomplete patient history: Failing to account for allergies, pre-existing conditions, or other medications.

• High workload: Overworked medical staff may overlook critical details.

• Electronic errors: Mistakes in electronic prescribing systems or pharmacy software.

Understanding how these errors occur can help patients and families be proactive in preventing them.

Signs You May Have Been Harmed by a Medication Error

It’s important to recognize the warning signs of a potential medication mistake. These may include:

• Unexpected side effects or worsening of symptoms

• Allergic reactions after taking a prescribed medication

• Hospitalization or emergency treatment after starting a new prescription

• Confusion over dosage instructions or changes in medication

If you suspect a medication error, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately and keep detailed records of your symptoms and treatment.

Legal Options for Victims of Medication Errors

When a medication mistake causes injury, patients may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. In New York, a successful claim generally requires proving the following:

1. Duty of care: The healthcare provider owed a duty to provide safe and competent care.

2. Breach of duty: The provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care.

3. Causation: The breach directly caused injury, illness, or complications.

4. Damages: The patient suffered measurable harm, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

Medical malpractice cases often involve complex medical records and expert testimony. Consulting an experienced attorney early can help ensure that the case is thoroughly investigated and that evidence is preserved.

How the Law Offices of Ted A. Novick Can Help

Medication errors can have serious, lasting effects, and pursuing a claim can be complicated. The Law Offices of Ted A. Novick works with patients and families to investigate medication mistakes, identify responsible parties, and secure compensation. Their attorneys review medical records, consult with experts, and guide clients through New York’s legal process.

They help ensure that victims recover damages for:

• Additional medical treatment required due to the error

• Lost income from missed work

• Pain and suffering caused by the mistake

• Long-term or permanent injury resulting from the medication error

By holding healthcare providers accountable, the firm not only helps individual patients but also encourages safer medical practices.

Steps Patients Can Take to Protect Themselves

Patients can take an active role in preventing medication errors and protecting their rights:

1. Ask questions: Make sure you understand your prescriptions, dosage, and potential side effects.

2. Keep a complete medication list: Include all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements.

3. Verify medications at the pharmacy: Double-check the label, dosage, and instructions.

4. Report side effects immediately: Notify your healthcare provider if you experience unexpected symptoms.

5. Seek legal advice: If harm occurs due to a medication mistake, consult an attorney as soon as possible to understand your options.

Final Thoughts

Medication errors are preventable, yet they remain a serious risk for patients in New York. Being informed, vigilant, and proactive can reduce the likelihood of harm. However, when a preventable mistake causes injury or death, legal recourse is available. The Law Offices of Ted A. Novick provides compassionate, experienced guidance to help patients hold negligent healthcare providers accountable.

Taking action after a medication mistake not only helps protect your rights but can also contribute to safer healthcare practices for everyone. Understanding your options and working with a skilled attorney ensures that justice and compensation are within reach.