Medication errors can occur in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and nursing homes. These errors can be caused by a range of factors, such as miscommunication between healthcare providers, incorrect dosages, and failure to properly monitor patients for adverse reactions. If you or a loved one have suffered harm as a result of a medication error in Louisville, you may be entitled to compensation.
If you believe that you have been the victim of a medication error, our skilled Louisville medication error lawyers who can help you understand your legal rights. At Gray and White Law, we will fight to pursue the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation.
What is a Medication Error?
A medication error is any preventable event that leads to the inappropriate use or administration of medication, which can cause harm or lead to a negative health outcome for the patient. Medication errors can occur at any stage of the medication process, including prescribing, dispensing, administering, monitoring, and educating the patient. Some common examples of medication errors include administering the wrong medication, administering the wrong dose, administering medication via the wrong route, or failing to consider a patient's allergies or medical history before administering medication. Medication errors can have serious consequences for patients, ranging from mild side effects to severe illness, disability, or even death.
Common Causes of Medication Errors
- Miscommunication: Poor communication between healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers can lead to misunderstandings about medication instructions or dosages.
- Human error: Mistakes can occur due to fatigue, distractions, or lack of training or experience.
- Faulty prescribing: Inadequate knowledge of the patient's medical history, incorrect diagnosis, or incomplete medication information can lead to errors in prescribing medication.
- Dispensing errors: Mistakes in labeling, packaging, or dispensing medication can lead to incorrect dosages or medications.
- Administration errors: Errors can occur during medication administration due to incorrect technique, incorrect dosage, or failure to properly monitor the patient for adverse reactions.
- Patient-related factors: Patients may be non-compliant with medication instructions, may not disclose important medical information, or may have difficulty understanding medication instructions.
- Systemic issues: Organizational issues within healthcare settings, such as inadequate staffing levels, poor medication storage or labeling, or inadequate medication reconciliation processes, can also contribute to medication errors.
Louisville Laws on Medication Error Claims
In Kentucky, medication errors are regulated by both state and federal laws.
The Kentucky Board of Nursing, the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, and the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy are responsible for regulating medication errors in their respective areas of practice.
Under Kentucky law, healthcare providers are required to report medication errors to the appropriate board or agency. Failure to report a medication error can result in disciplinary action, including fines, suspension, or revocation of a healthcare provider's license.
In addition, Kentucky law allows patients who have been harmed by medication errors to pursue legal action against the healthcare provider or facility responsible for the error. Patients may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the medication error.
Statute of Limitations for Medication Error Claims
In Kentucky, there is a statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims, including those related to medication errors. The statute of limitations in Kentucky for medical malpractice claims is generally one year from the date that the patient discovered or should have discovered the injury caused by the medication error, but in no event more than five years from the date of the error.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the patient was under the age of 18 at the time of the medication error, the statute of limitations may be extended until the patient's 19th birthday. Additionally, if the healthcare provider fraudulently concealed the medication error, the statute of limitations may be tolled, or paused, until the patient discovers the error.
Contact our Louisville Medication Error Lawyer Today
Medication errors can cause serious harm to patients, and it is the responsibility of healthcare providers to take appropriate measures to prevent them. If you or a loved one have been the victim of a medication error, it is important to seek legal help from an experienced Louisville medication error lawyer. Our Louisville medication error lawyers can help you understand your legal options and work to get you the compensation you deserve. At Gray and White Law, we use our expertise to take care of your legal action so that you focus on your recovery and move forward with confidence. Contact our Louisville medication error lawyers today to schedule a consultation and get started on your case.