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01603 214 220
Medication Errors
Recent studies suggest that more than 200 million medication errors occur in the NHS every year.
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
Our specialist team of medical negligence solicitors can help you understand why you may have suffered a preventable injury caused by a medication error. We will explore the restorative treatments available and pursue prescription error claims for you. Call us on 01603 214 220 to find out more.
Medication Error Case Studies
Medication Contraindicated
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.
Incorrect Dosage
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.
How we
can help you
Medical Negligence can have a wide range of effects, many of which may not be obvious immediately after an accident. With specialist accreditations with Action Against Medical Accidents (AvMA) and the Law Society, our team has represented victims in a wide range of cases.
To find out more about our expertise, please call:
01603 214 220Contact one of the team:
Sara Westwood
Partner / Head of Dispute Resolution
Specialist Personal Injury Solicitor
Simon Bransby
Chartered Legal Executive
Medical Negligence and Personal Injury
Delivering thought-leading expertise and understanding from our expert solicitors and staff.
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Expert Resolution of a Complex Medical Negligence Claim
The remainder of the claims were settled at a round-table meeting, resulting in the claimant recovering £140,000. Concerns regarding the capacity of the deceased’s son to litigate led to the pursuit of formal court approval, given the uncertainties involved.
