Staffing issues in the medical industry are rife. Most healthcare providers are stretched and work long hours with little time to rest. Burnouts are inevitable, and so are the chances of something going wrong.
Ultimately, it is the patients who suffer the most when a healthcare provider does not discharge their duties as expected due to fatigue. For example, when a pharmacist issues you the wrong medication, it can be deadly to your health. You ought to hold someone responsible for such negligence.
Prescription errors are a form of medical malpractice
Doctors, surgeons and all other healthcare workers owe their patients a duty of care. It means that they should always act in ways that safeguard a patient’s wellbeing. Fatigue is not an excuse, and a healthcare doctor is still liable even if they claim to have been too tired to notice their errors.
Types of prescription errors
Prescription errors may arise when the doctor prescribes the medicine or during dispensation. Some of the scenarios that can lead to prescription errors include:
- Mislabeling of the medication
- Prescribing medicine you are allergic to
- Dispensing the wrong medication due to illegible handwriting
- Failure to warn a patient of the possible side effects, among others
The effects can be catastrophic to your health, with some victims paying the ultimate price.
Do you have a medical negligence claim?
If you have been issued the wrong medication or are a victim of other prescription errors, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm you suffered. However, like all other medical malpractice cases, a prescription error can be difficult to prove since everything may not be in black and white.
Knowing the ins and outs of medical malpractice claims and the challenges you may encounter along the way is advisable. It will ensure you protect your rights and increase the chances of getting a deserving settlement.