Medication errors in healthcare can occur for various reasons. They can take place in GP surgeries, hospitals, and pharmacies amongst other healthcare settings. Medication errors can also take many forms. This article gives you some examples of how medication errors can occur and the potential impact of medication errors on patients.

An error with your medication could be categorised as an act of medical negligence. This is when a medical professional such as a doctor or nurse does not provide the correct standard of care. If you can establish that you have suffered unnecessary harm due to the care you were provided falling below this standard, then you could be owed compensation.

Read on for more information. Alternatively, if you have any questions or need something clarifying, you can reach out to our advisors. They are available 24/7. It’s even possible that they could put you in touch with a No Win No Fee medical negligence solicitor if they think you have a valid claim. You can find our contact details at the top of the screen.

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1. Medication Errors In Healthcare- What Are They?
2. What To Do Following A Medication Error
3. Medication Errors In Healthcare – Claim Time Limits
4. No Win No Fee Legal Representation

Medication Errors In Healthcare– What Are They?

As mentioned above, there is not just one instance that can be described as a medication error. The phrase is used to describe any mistake made with your medication. This can include a prescribing or dispensing error. However, you need to have suffered harm that could have otherwise been avoided as a result of this mistake in order to make a claim for compensation.

Here are a few examples of potential medication errors:

• Wrong medication – Certain health conditions require specific medication. As well as the medication being intended to assist with the patient’s recovery, medical professionals also need to be aware of other factors. For example, allergies need to be accounted for. If an allergy is in a patient’s notes, then medications that could trigger this allergy should be avoided. If this is not done, it could cause a patient to experience an allergic reaction.
• Wrong dose – Even if you are administered the correct medication, it could be that you are given the incorrect quantity. A dose that is too high could cause complications just as a dose that is too low can.
• Wrong prescription – There may be a mix-up between prescriptions. For instance, you could receive medication that’s intended for someone else entirely.

Consequences of medication errors on patients can differ on a case-by-case basis. A variety of factors can contribute to the impact on a patient’s health due to an error such as these. It’s important to note that the above list is not exhaustive. There can be other ways medication errors in healthcare could happen. To learn whether you could be eligible to seek compensation, get in touch on the number above.

What To Do Following A Medication Error

Your primary concern following a medication error should be to seek medical attention. Your own health should be paramount. By visiting a doctor or other medical professional, you can ensure you receive treatment for the way the error has affected you. Additionally, you can use your medical records as evidence to support your claim.

Other evidence you can gather includes:

• Prescriptions
• Doctor reports
• Hospital reports

Additionally, you could gather evidence of any financial losses incurred, such as receipts, payslips, and invoices.

For more information about the steps you can take after sustaining avoidable harm from medication errors in healthcare, get in touch with our team.

Medication Errors In Healthcare – Claim Time Limits

As per the Limitation Act 1980, you generally have 3 years from the date of the incident to begin the process of making a claim. However, there are some exceptions. For example, the three-year time limit may start from the date of knowledge. This is the date you become aware of negligence.

In some scenarios, such as claims involving children and those with a reduced mental capacity, the time limit can also work slightly differently. It can be suspended for certain lengths of time, beginning only when the relevant criteria are met.

If a time limit is suspended, it can still be possible to make a claim. However, it would need to be done by a litigation friend. This can be a parent, guardian, family friend, solicitor, or any adult who has made an application to the courts to do so.

Get in touch for more information on claim time limits and the exceptions.

No Win No Fee Legal Representation

All of the lawyers on our panel can work on a No Win No Fee basis with their clients. Therefore, this means they could also work with you in this way. As such, they could offer you a Conditional Fee Agreement which is a type of No Win No Fee arrangement.

It typically means that they will take a percentage from your compensation upon the completion of a successful claim. The success fee, which is legally capped, cannot be taken if you are not awarded compensation. This can mean a lower financial risk when hiring legal representation.

Learn More About Medical Negligence

If you’d like to learn more about medical negligence, we have some guides that you may find useful:

• An Overview Of Medical Negligence Claims
• How To Find Medical Negligence Solicitors
• What Is The Time Limit For Medical Negligence Claims? (UK)

To find out more, reach out today. We can offer free guidance on claims for medication errors in healthcare.