Would you know what to do in the event of a medication error? Would you even know how to recognize one? Many people who suffer serious injuries requiring hospital stays do not even think to wonder if the injury is due to a medication error.
The problem is more common than you think, especially since baby boomers are growing older and need to be on more prescription drugs. So what can you do if you suspect that you have been a victim of a medication error? While the Louisville medical malpractice attorneys at Gray & White Law are not physicians, they have handled a wide range of cases involving medication errors in Kentucky and have compiled a list of important steps take. These steps include:
- Seek whatever medical treatment is necessary. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for tests, physical therapy, surgery, and new medication.
- Evaluate your current prescription medications. Make a list of everything that you have been taking and give it to your physician to review. There is a chance that one medication could have interacted with another, causing the medical problem you are dealing with. A physician can cross-reference those medications to give you an idea of what could have occurred.
- Check your pills to be sure the description on the pill bottle label matches the shape, size, and color of the actual pill inside. This will help rule out a medication mix-up.
- Check the name, address, and phone number on your pill bottle to make sure the pills inside were intended for you. This is especially important if you have a common name that could be mistaken for another patient from the same pharmacy.
- Make a list of all over-the-counter medications you have been taking for the past 60 days and give it to your physician to review. Some patients do not realize that certain over-the-counter medications can interact with prescription medications and cause problems.
- Speak with a Kentucky medical malpractice attorney who is experienced in handling medication error claims. A lawyer may be able to help you pinpoint who is responsible for the problem and assist you in getting the resulting medical bills paid for.
Medication errors are serious and should never be taken lightly. If you have suffered a serious injury due to a medication error that was not your fault, contact an experienced Louisville medical malpractice attorney at Gray & White Law at 888-450-4456 to schedule a complimentary consultation. If you prefer, fill out the contact form on our website and we will call you shortly. Our attorneys are standing by to help.