When Can Medical Professionals Be Held Liable for Medication Errors?

 Posted on July 27, 2023 in Medical Malpractice

Medication errors can have serious consequences for patients, ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening situations. When these errors occur, it is important to determine who is responsible. In the state of Illinois, medical professionals can be held accountable for medication errors in certain circumstances. By understanding when medication errors can be addressed through medical malpractice claims, patients who have experienced these issues can make sure they will be able to address the harm they have suffered due to the negligence of medical professionals.

Incorrect Dosages

One common type of medication error is the administration of drugs at the wrong dosages. This can occur when a healthcare provider prescribes a drug at the wrong dose, a pharmacist dispenses the wrong amount of a drug, or a nurse administers a medication incorrectly. A dose that is too high may result in serious side effects or other health issues, while a dose that is too low may not adequately address a person’s medical issues. If a patient suffers harm as a result of receiving an incorrect dosage, the medical professional responsible may be held liable for the error.

Medical professionals have a duty of care to their patients, which includes prescribing and administering medications correctly. When a healthcare provider fails to meet this duty, and a patient is harmed as a result, they may be considered negligent. In cases of incorrect dosages, negligence can be established if it can be proven that the medical professional deviated from the standard of care expected in their field.

Allergic Reactions

In some cases, medical professionals may be held liable for medication errors when a patient experiences an allergic reaction to a prescribed medication. Allergic reactions can range from mild rashes to severe anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. If a medical professional fails to properly assess a patient's allergies or prescribes a medication to which the patient is known to be allergic, they may be held liable for any resulting harm.

Medical professionals have a duty to obtain a patient's medical history, including any known allergies, before prescribing medication. If a healthcare provider fails to inquire about allergies or disregards a patient's known allergies, they may be considered negligent if the patient suffers harm as the result of an allergic reaction.

Dangerous Side Effects

Medications can have a range of side effects, some of which can be dangerous or even life-threatening. Medical professionals have a responsibility to inform patients about the potential side effects of prescribed medications and to monitor their patients for any adverse reactions. If a medical professional fails to adequately warn a patient about the potential side effects of a medication or fails to monitor the patient for adverse reactions, they may be held liable for any resulting harm. Doctors should also be aware of any potentially harmful reactions that a prescribed medication may have to other drugs or supplements a patient is taking.

Proving liability in cases of dangerous side effects can be complex, as it often requires demonstrating that the medical professional deviated from the standard of care in their field. However, with the help of an experienced attorney, a person injured by a medication error can gather the necessary evidence to support their claim and seek compensation for their injuries.

Contact Our Rockford Medication Error Attorneys

If you or a loved one have suffered harm due to a medication error, it is important to consult with a skilled attorney who understands the ways patients may be affected by the negligence of medical professionals. At Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, our experienced Winnebago County medical malpractice lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of medical negligence seek justice and compensation for their injuries. Contact us today at 815-215-7561 to schedule a free consultation.