prescription errors

 

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In theory prescribing errors should be a thing of the past in view of all of the computerised cross-referencing and checking systems that are in place.

 

However, unfortunately the Clinical Negligence team at Blake Lapthorn continue to see various cases that would fall into this category.  Examples of prescription errors are:

  • pharmacy error in supplying the incorrect dosage of medication
  • radiation therapy overdoses
  • prescription of a medication that is contra-indicated in a particular patient
  • failure to recognise symptoms as being linked to known adverse side effects of a medication and the need to withdraw that medication
  • failure to prescribe a specific medication that should normally be prescribed for the patient’s symptoms
  • rarely, prescriptions of a total inappropriate or unlicensed medication

 

Although negligence may seem obvious in these cases, in order to bring a claim at law, we still need to be able to establish that the prescribing error has caused you an additional injury (or occasionally, death).  Independent professional expertise is almost always required in these circumstances to comment on the effect that the wrongly prescribed medication (or non-prescribed medication) has had on your individual health and we have excellent working relationships with a wide variety of medical experts who are able to assist in determining the answer to this question.

 

The effects of prescription errors can vary enormously from patient to patient depending upon the circumstances.  However, the Clinical Negligence team at Blake Lapthorn are very experienced in ensuring that all aspects of your life are considered when determining the impact that this error has had upon you.  We have access to a very wide range of experts other than medical experts, who can assist if necessary.  We work regularly with care experts, employment consultants, occupational therapists, counsellors and others when determining how best to counteract the effect of our client’s injuries and thereby to appropriately value the compensation that should be awarded.

 

For further information please contact Alison McClure in the Clinical Negligence team on 023 8085 7345 or email alison.mcclure@bllaw.co.uk.