|
A Florida prescription error is a form of medical malpractice that occurs when a patient does not receive the appropriate medication, at the right dose, at the right time. A Florida prescription error can often cause harm to a patient, and in some circumstances, can even lead to death. A Florida prescription error is considered medical malpractice when a medical professional's negligence or mistake led to patient harm.
In 2003, the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) conducted a study to identify the prevalence and types of medication errors being made in hospitals around the nation. The USP's database has reports of over 360,000 medication errors since 1998. Keep in mind that these are only the cases of medication errors that have been detected and reported to this particular agency.
Florida prescription error cases are more likely to occur in an emergency room than any other medical department, as is true for the rest of the nation. The USP study found that prescription errors are caught before reaching a patient ten percent less often in emergency rooms compared to other areas of the hospital. The combination of intense pressure, a fast paced environment, and interruptions are factors which make a Florida prescription error more likely in an emergency room environment, though they can occur in any area of medicine.
There are several points in the medication treatment process when a Florida prescription error can occur. A medical professional can commit a Florida prescription error by failing to prescribe a patient the right medication at the appropriate dose. A physician's Florida prescription error may also be related to prescribing an inappropriate medication for a patient, resulting in patient injury. Omission Florida prescription error cases involve the failure to administer a medication altogether. Florida prescription error cases can also occur when a health care professional fails to administer the right dose of the right medication at the right time, as prescribed by a doctor.
Though prevention of a Florida prescription error is a medical professional's responsibility, there are things that patients can do to reduce the risk of being harmed because of a Florida prescription error. The following actions can reduce the risk of a Florida prescription error: keep an up-to-date list of all current medications and their doses, make sure doctors know of any allergies to medications, always speak up if you suspect that a medical professional is preparing to administer a duplicate dose of a medication, or any other type of Florida prescription error.
When a Florida prescription error occurs and a patient suffers damages, they may be able to seek compensation for their losses through a Florida prescription error lawsuit. The victim of a Florida prescription error may be eligible to seek reparation for related medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. To learn more about your legal rights and options in a Florida prescription error lawsuit, please contact us to speak with an experienced and highly qualified attorney who can evaluate your case to protect and maximize your interests.
Click Here for Miami Personal Injury Lawyers
|
