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Medication Errors

And although three in four errors are unlikely to result in harm, some medication errors can cause irreversible damage or even death. Approximately 700 deaths per year are classed as ‘avoidable adverse drug reactions’.

Medication errors can occur because of negligent prescribing of medication by a GP, or because of dispensing errors by a pharmacist.

Minor symptoms might include temporary dizziness or sickness, but in some circumstances, prescription errors can result in long-term damage to vital organs, particularly the kidneys, which can have serious, long-lasting implications.

Examples of medication error claims:

Prescription errors:

  • Incorrect dosage
  • Incorrect medication either because of misdiagnosis or unsuitability for a patient
  • Incompatible medication prescribed to a patient with existing medication needs
  • Adult dosage prescribed to a child
  • Patient allergy
  • Unchecked repeat prescriptions

Dispensing errors:

  • Medication given to the wrong patient
  • Labelling errors
  • Incorrect dosage dispensed

How we
can help you

To find out more about our expertise, please call:

Contact one of the team:

Sara Westwood

Partner / Head of Dispute Resolution

Medical Negligence

Simon Bransby

Associate

Medical Negligence and Personal Injury


Mr C had a heart condition and had been treated for renal failure. He developed gout and the GP prescribed medication without checking it was contraindicated in view of his other conditions. He suffered renal failure and hearing loss as a result. Sara Westwood settled his claim in the sum of £300,000.

Mr S was prescribed Warfarin, a blood-thinning drug. In error, the pharmacy prescribed tablets of 5mg when it should have been 1mg so he was taking 5 times the recommended dose and had been for some time prior to collapsing. He was admitted to hospital with internal bleeding and organ failure. The claim was settled for £10,000 by Sara Westwood.


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