Prevention of Drug Allergy Reactions
According to the Institute of Medicine, in 2004, there were about 770,000 people in the United States hospitalized due to drug allergies, otherwise known as adverse drug reactions. Although this number may not be reflective of current statistics, it is valuable in giving an overview of how serious the problem can be.
Prevention is the key. This can be done in a number of ways including making sure that patient records are updated with information on allergies, improving education and training on medication safety, and improving reports on drug allergies provided by nurses.
Computerized medication systems have demonstrated to be an effective way to reduce the number of medication errors that occur. These systems can better ensure the right type and dosage of medication is given.
In general, nurses are responsible for preventing and treating drug allergies. Careful observation and management of a patient is important. Nurses who are trained on how to recognize symptoms of a drug reaction and how to treat it could prevent serious injuries.
At the same time, any other healthcare professional also potentially could be found liable for injuries caused by a negative reaction to drugs. To learn if you have a legitimate case worth pursuing, you should contact a Louisville injury law firm.
Damages may be available that address not only the medical expenses you have incurred, but also lost wages. If there are future medical bills or future lost income, they may be included. Other damages could include pain and suffering, mental anguish, reduced quality of life and more.
Consulting with a Louisville injury law firm should be your next step if you believe that an act of carelessness or recklessness on behalf of a nurse, doctor or any other healthcare professional was the cause of your injuries. A lawyer can explain how best to protect your legal rights.
Contacting a Louisville Injury Law Firm
A Louisville injury lawyer at Gray and White can help you handle every aspect of your medication error claim. If you’ve been injured in Kentucky, contact us today for a free evaluation of your case – 1-888-450-4456 or 1-502-210-8942.