Investigating a medication error as the basis for a medical malpractice claim requires a clear understanding of the way that medications are prescribed and dispensed. Medication error lawsuits typically involve serious injury or wrongful death as a result of an overdose, missed dose, misfilled prescription, administration of the wrong drug, or drug interaction. A patient’s [...]
A medication error can carry serious consequences. A popular medical journal recently reported that physicians are frequently prescribing aspirin to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (“Afib”). This is a medical mistake that can lead to a preventable stroke. Afib is a condition wherein erratic electrical impulses in the heart cause [...]
A number of systems are in place to prevent a medication error in the hospital. Still, medication errors remain the most common source of hospital errors. One system developed to reduce prescription error is the "computerized physician order entry," or CPOE, which is used by 97% of hospital nationwide as part of their electronic medical [...]
A medication error can lead to serious injury or wrongful death. A recent study shows that medication errors related to drug and supplement interactions are on the rise, especially among the elderly. As medical lawyers, we have seen numerous cases involving a misfilled prescription or an overdose, but there has been a spike in cases [...]
Dangerous drugs are often overprescribed due to conflicts of interest inherent in the medical industry. The case of Farid Fata, M.D. is a case in point. This oncologist recently pleaded guilty to criminal charges arising out of chemotherapy medications that he prescribed to patients who either didn't need the drugs or would not benefit from them. [...]
Dangerous drugs come with a package insert that sets forth the indications, contraindications, drug interactions and side effects. When the medication poses an imminent risk of harm, drug manufacturers are required to prominently display a boxed warning, sometimes called a black box warning, on the package insert to alert physicians and pharmacists about the risk. When a healthcare [...]
Stroke is a devastating condition, but no more so than when it strikes a young person. We think of the disease as being a condition that affects the elderly and infirm. But, cases arise involving young adults. Some conditions that lead to stroke, or cardiovascular accident (CVA), in younger patients include atrial fibrillation and carotid artery dissections. A recent [...]
Dangerous drugs may include some over-the-counter medicines. Recent verdicts outside of Ohio underscore the dangers of one such medicine -- Motrin. Johnson & Johnson, the makers of Motrin, have been ordered to pay a 7 year-old girl $63 million after she developed toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) from taking Motrin. TEN, also called erythema multiforme or Lyell's syndrome, is a [...]
Medication errors are a common source of medical malpractice claims. In a recent article, I learned about a certain type of medication error that I had previously been unaware of, but I will certainly be on the lookout for now. Apparently, there have been many instances where a doctor cancels a prescription but the pharmacy continues to fill it. [...]
When you last visited your doctor, did you see a pharmaceutical salesperson with a large briefcase sitting in the lobby? Do you know someone that has been injured due to medication errors? Have you ever wondered why? How about the drug salesperson that shows up with a tray of cookies for the medical office staff? [...]