Although any medication has the potential to cause harm, there are some that have a significantly higher risk of life-threatening injuries. These are known as high-alert drugs. If you believe you or someone you love was injured by one and it was caused by the negligence of a doctor or pharmacist, you could be eligible to file a Kentucky injury claim.
By consulting with a Louisville medication error lawyer, you can learn what your rights are and how to best protect them. A lawyer may also be able to explain to you the legal options that are available and the types of compensation that may be recoverable.
An Overview of High-Alert Drugs
Certain drugs or drug categories pose a greater risk of harm to those who take them. These types of drugs are especially dangerous if misused or a patient becomes the victim of a medication error.
There are 6 types of medications in particular that are considered to be high-alert drugs which include:
- opioids;
- insulin;
- chemotherapy drugs;
- neuromuscular blocking agents;
- heparin; and
- potassium phosphate concentrate or injectable potassium chloride.
If you or a loved one were taking any of these drugs and a doctor or pharmacist acted in a negligent manner, causing serious or fatal injuries, you may be able to pursue a Kentucky injury claim. Contacting a Louisville medication error lawyer at 502-210-8942 should be your next step.
Mistakes Involving High Alert Drugs
There are a variety of mistakes that can happen when high-alert drugs are used. This can happen at the manufacturing level but many times it is the result of medical negligence.
Actions that are careless or reckless could be done by a:
- physician;
- nurse;
- pharmacist;
- hospital; or
- other healthcare professional.
One or multiple people may be held liable for the resulting injuries of a medication mistake. Often, a big mistake like a medication mistake is the result of small errors made by multiple people. Let your Louisville attorney figure out who is to blame.
Continue to Next Page