Prescription Errors

Cape Cod Attorneys Representing Medical Malpractice Victims

Doctors commonly prescribe medication to treat an illness or chronic condition. Most people take prescription medication as directed, with the expectation that the medication will improve their health. Unfortunately, in some cases, medications are improperly prescribed or distributed, and these errors and oversights result in harm to the individual the medication was intended to treat. Prescription errors can result in bodily injury and psychological distress, and may result in exacerbation of an existing condition. If a prescription error caused you injury or your loved one died, you may be able to recover compensation for damages incurred and any pain and suffering caused by the error. The Cape Cod medical malpractice lawyers at the Law Offices of John C. Manoog, III, have a combined experience of more than 150 years of advocating for victims who have been hurt due to another person’s negligence. If you suffered harm due to a prescription error, we will tirelessly pursue the compensation to which you may be entitled. We have recovered multiple multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts for injured parties.

Types of Prescription Errors

Under Massachusetts law, any health care professional can be liable for prescription errors. There are numerous ways in which prescription errors can harm a patient. Failure to recognize a potential interaction with another medication a patient is currently taking is a common error that can result in serious consequences. In some cases, inattentiveness may result in a physician prescribing either an inappropriate medication or an improper dose, resulting in harm to the patient. In other cases, the medication may be properly prescribed but the pharmacist may disburse an incorrect medication or an incorrect dosage of the proper medication. Prescription errors can also occur in hospitals when a nurse administers an incorrect medication or dosage to a patient. Additionally, prescription errors can occur when a physician fails to prescribe a medication in a timely manner. The circumstances surrounding prescription errors are often complex and it may not initially be clear which health care provider or entity should be held responsible for the harm caused by medication-related mistakes. If you suffered an injury due to a prescription error, an experienced medical malpractice attorney can discuss the facts of your case with you, and explain what damages you may be able to recover.

Proving Negligence Due to Prescription Errors

In the Massachusetts courts, to prove that a medical professional should be held liable for injury caused by a prescription error you must first show the acceptable standard of care, which is what an average medical professional practicing in the same area would have done under similar circumstances. After you establish the standard of care, you must prove that the medical professional breached the standard of care and that the breach resulted in your harm. The majority of medical malpractice cases require the retention of medical experts. First, an expert is needed to provide an opinion regarding the applicable standard of care. Additionally, an expert is needed to prove that the breach of the standard of care resulted in your damages. Depending on the nature of your injuries, more than one expert may be needed.

Damages Recoverable

In Massachusetts, an individual must file any personal injury lawsuit arising out of a prescription error within three years of the date of harm. As such, if you suffered harm due to a prescription error, it is important to consult with an attorney experienced in pursuing claims against medical professionals promptly, to ensure you do not waive your right to recover damages.

If you were injured due to a prescription error caused by a medical provider or hospital’s negligence you may be entitled to recover the cost of your past medical expenses and the cost of any future medical treatment. You may also be able to recover compensation for pain and suffering caused by your injury. If you could not work due to your illness, you might be entitled to compensation for lost wages and loss of future earnings.

Meet With a Medical Malpractice Attorney in Cape Cod

The medical malpractice lawyers of the Law Offices of John C. Manoog, III, have a history of recovering favorable settlements and verdicts in cases involving prescription errors. We can anticipate obstacles to your recovery and will tirelessly pursue the maximum amount of damages you may be owed. We represent individuals in Cape Cod and are available for consultations in Plymouth and Hyannis. We can be reached at 888-262-6664 or via our online form to schedule a consultation. Nós Falamos Português.