Riverside Medication Error Attorneys

Suffered an Injury or Illness Due to a Medication Error?

At Bostwick & Peterson, LLP, we understand the devastating impact that medication errors can have on patients and their families. These mistakes can lead to serious injuries, prolonged illnesses, or even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been harmed due to a medication error, our experienced Riverside medication error lawyers are here to help you pursue justice and secure the compensation you deserve. Located in Riverside, CA, we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and ensuring our clients receive the legal representation they need.

Call (951) 435-8229 or contact us online today to request a free consultation.

Common Types of Medication Errors

Medication errors can occur in various ways, often involving healthcare providers such as doctors, nurses, or pharmacists. Below are some of the most common types of medication errors:

• Incorrect Dosage: Administering too much or too little of a prescribed medication can have severe consequences, including overdoses or ineffective treatment.
• Wrong Medication: Dispensing or prescribing the wrong drug can lead to harmful side effects or untreated medical conditions.
• Failure to Consider Allergies or Interactions: Overlooking a patient’s medical history or potential drug interactions can result in life-threatening allergic reactions or complications.
• Improper Administration: Mistakes such as injecting a drug intended for oral consumption or vice versa can cause harm.
• Labeling and Packaging Errors: Mislabeling medications or unclear instructions can lead to misuse by patients.
• Missed or Delayed Administration: Failing to administer medication on time can worsen a patient’s condition, particularly in emergency or intensive care settings.

Common Causes of Medication Errors

Understanding the causes of medication errors is essential for preventing them in the future and identifying negligence in a legal case. Common causes include:

• Human Error: Mistakes made by healthcare providers, such as misreading a prescription or selecting the wrong medication from a storage area.
• Communication Failures: Miscommunication among medical staff or between healthcare providers and patients can lead to errors.
• Inadequate Training: Insufficient knowledge or training in handling specific medications or patient conditions.
• Overwork and Fatigue: Healthcare professionals working long hours are more prone to mistakes due to exhaustion.
• Faulty Systems or Technology: Errors in electronic prescribing systems, automated dispensing machines, or other medical technology can lead to medication mistakes.
• Lack of Supervision: Inadequate oversight of medical staff can contribute to errors, particularly in hospitals or nursing homes.

The Impact of Medication Errors

The consequences of medication errors can be life-altering for victims and their families. Depending on the nature of the error, patients may suffer from:

• Severe Allergic Reactions: Potentially life-threatening conditions like anaphylaxis.
• Organ Damage: Overdoses or harmful drug interactions can lead to long-term damage to vital organs such as the liver or kidneys.
• Chronic Conditions: Errors that delay proper treatment can exacerbate existing medical conditions, leading to prolonged suffering.
• Emotional Distress: Victims and their families often endure significant emotional trauma as a result of medical negligence.

If you have experienced any of these outcomes, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Who is Liable for a Medication Error in CA?

Determining liability for a medication error in California requires a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the incident. Several parties may be held accountable, including:

• Physicians: If a doctor prescribes the wrong medication or dosage due to negligence, they may be held liable.
• Pharmacists: Dispensing the incorrect drug, failing to provide proper usage instructions, or overlooking potential drug interactions can result in liability for pharmacists.
• Nurses: Administering the wrong medication or dosage or failing to report adverse reactions may constitute negligence.
• Hospitals and Clinics: Healthcare facilities can be held accountable if the error stems from systemic issues such as poor staffing, lack of training, or faulty equipment.
• Drug Manufacturers: In cases involving mislabeled drugs or defective medications, manufacturers may be held responsible.

At Bostwick & Peterson, LLP, our Riverside medication error lawyers will conduct a detailed investigation to identify all liable parties and build a strong case on your behalf.

To discuss your case with our team, contact us today at (951) 435-8229.