Medication Error Lawyers | Kansas City | Since 1986

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare professionals fail to provide the proper level of care, leading to patient harm. One prevalent form of medical malpractice is medication errors, which can involve administering the wrong drug or dose, using the wrong route, or giving medication to the wrong patient. These errors are not only familiar but also preventable. Understanding the stages where medication errors can occur, and the legal implications, is crucial for patients seeking justice and compensation. Consulting medication error lawyers can help patients navigate the complexities of pursuing a legal claim.

Pharmacy error claims are complex and often require the testimony of expert witnesses. Therefore, if you or a loved one has been affected by a medication error, seeking legal assistance is essential to properly handle your claim. At Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen, our team of experienced medication error lawyers is dedicated to advocating for your rights every step of the way. With over 20 years of extensive litigation experience, we are known for our thorough investigations and unwavering commitment to our clients. Contact our office to speak with a Kansas City medical malpractice lawyer to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

The Impact of Medication Errors

According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM), medical errors can cause death and injury. Adverse events from unsafe patient care rank among the top 10 causes of death and disability worldwide. In the United States, preventable adverse events lead to an estimated 44,000 to 98,000 hospital deaths annually, surpassing the number of deaths from motor vehicle accidents.

The consequences of a medication error can be extensive, including:

• Death—fatal outcomes resulting from incorrect medication;
• Disability—long-term or permanent physical impairment;
• Chronic pain—persistent pain due to improper medication use; 
• Emotional trauma—psychological distress from experiencing a medical error; and
• Additional medical complications—new health issues arising from the initial error.

Understanding these impacts underscores the importance of seeking legal recourse to address the harm caused by medication errors.

Understanding the Common Stages for Medication Errors

Medication errors are a significant cause of patient injury, often leading to severe consequences such as prolonged hospital stays, additional medical expenses, and even death. These errors can occur at any stage of the treatment process, making it essential to understand where they might happen.

Ordering and Prescribing

Nearly 50% of all medication errors occur during these stages. Miscommunication or misinterpretation of the prescription can lead to severe consequences. Physicians might write an incorrect dosage, prescribe the wrong medication, or fail to account for a patient’s allergies or other medications they are taking. Clear communication and double-checking prescriptions are vital in minimizing these errors.

Documenting and Transcribing

Errors can occur when healthcare providers document or transcribe medication orders incorrectly. Documenting mistakes can include incorrect dosage entries or transcription errors, where handwritten prescriptions are easily misread. Ensuring accuracy in this stage is crucial, as even minor errors can lead to significant patient harm.

Dispensing and Administering

Pharmacists and nurses ensure they dispense and administer the correct medication. Studies reveal that nurses and pharmacists identify 30% to 70% of medication-ordering errors. Despite these checks, errors can still occur if the medication is mislabeled, dispensed at the wrong dose, or administered via the incorrect route. Rigorous protocols and cross-checks are essential to reduce these risks.

Monitoring

After administration, providers must monitor patients to ensure the medication has the intended effect and is not causing adverse reactions. Monitoring includes observing for any side effects, verifying the medication’s efficacy, and adjusting treatment as necessary. Continuous monitoring helps promptly identify and address any issues that arise post-administration.

Understanding these stages can help identify and prevent medication errors.

How Do I Prove a Medication Error Was Related to Negligence? 

Proving that a medication error was related to negligence involves demonstrating that a healthcare professional failed to meet the standard of care. First, you must establish that a doctor-patient relationship exists, creating a duty of care. Next, show that the healthcare provider breached this duty by acting negligently, such as prescribing the wrong medication or dosage. Gathering evidence, like medical records and expert testimony, is crucial. Experts can explain how the error deviated from standard practices. Finally, you must link the error directly to the harm suffered, demonstrating that the negligence caused the injury. An experienced medication error lawyer can help build a strong case, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Rights and Remedies After a Medication Error Injury 

Medication errors can lead to severe physical and emotional distress. If you or a loved one has experienced such an error, you may be entitled to compensation under Missouri law. Compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and sometimes punitive damages. Medical expenses cover the cost of additional treatments and hospital stays. On the other hand, lost wages address the income lost during recovery and, furthermore, account for future losses due to reduced earning capacity Pain and suffering damages are compensation for the impact of the physical and emotional trauma caused by the error.

Seeking legal help can make a significant difference in these situations. An experienced Kansas City medication errors attorney can guide you through the process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. At Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen, we provide thorough and compassionate legal support. Our team works tirelessly to gather evidence and consult with medical experts. We advocate for your rights so that you can focus on your recovery 

Have You Experienced Health Complications from a Pharmacy Error?

If you or someone you care about recently experienced a medication error, the medication error lawyers and pharmacy error attorneys at Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen are here to help you understand your rights and pursue a claim for compensation against the at-fault parties. At our Kansas City medical malpractice law firm, we have decades of combined experience holding negligent healthcare providers, including pharmacists, nursing homes, and others, responsible for the injuries our clients have sustained. We offer free consultations to all prospective clients and will only bill for our services if we successfully recover damages. To learn more and schedule a free consultation today, call Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen or connect with us through our secure online contact form.