Medical malpractice is a complex area of law that can be difficult to navigate without the help of an experienced attorney. In particular, medication-related malpractice can be one of the most complex and challenging types of malpractice cases to handle. If you or someone you know has been the victim of medication-related malpractice, it is important to understand your rights and seek the guidance of a skilled attorney.
What is Medication-Related Malpractice?
The first step in understanding medication-related malpractice is to know what it is.
Medication-related malpractice occurs when a medical professional's negligence results in harm to a patient due to an inappropriate prescription, dosage, or administration of medication. This can include actions like giving a medication that interacts with other drugs the patient is taking or prescribing a medication that the patient is allergic to.
Prevalence of Medication-Related Malpractice
Medication-related allegations are the fourth most common allegation, accounting for 8.8% of all medical malpractice claims. Utilizing the data reported by Coverys, we have compiled the following statistics:
Top Five Medication-Related Allegations
The top five medication-related allegations are as follows:
- Ordering Medication - 31.0%
- Monitoring/Management - 29.6%
- Administration of Medication - 21.0%
- Wrong Medication - 12.5%
- Dispensing Error-Route, Dose, Pharmacy - 4.0%
Top Five Medications Cited in Allegations
The top five medications cited in the allegations are as follows:
- Opioid - 15%
- Anti-Coagulation - 14.5%
- Antibiotic - 12.9%
- Adrenal Cortical Steroid - 4.5%
- Cardio-Vascular - 4.4%
Complications in Proving Medication-Related Malpractice
One of the key challenges in medication-related malpractice cases is proving that the harm suffered by the patient was directly caused by the negligent act of the medical professional. This requires a careful review of the patient's medical history, the details of the medication prescribed or administered, and any other relevant factors. An experienced medical malpractice attorney will work closely with medical experts to build a strong case on behalf of the victim.
The Consequences of Medication-Related Malpractice
Medication-related malpractice can result in a wide range of harms to patients, from allergic reactions to permanent disability or even death.
The breakdown in the severity of medication-related errors is as follows:
- Death - 32.1%
- High Severity - 5.8%
- Medium Severity - 36.6%
- Low Severity - 25.5%
Related Reading
Your Guide to Medical Malpractice
Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Mexico
Victims of medication-related malpractice may be entitled to compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, it is important to act quickly and seek legal representation as soon as possible to preserve your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
When looking for a medical malpractice attorney to handle a medication-related malpractice case, it's important to choose someone with experience in this area of law. Your attorney should have a deep understanding of the complexities of medication-related malpractice cases and the ability to work closely with medical experts to build a strong case on your behalf. They should also be compassionate, responsive, and dedicated to fighting for your rights.
The compassionate team of attorneys at Curtis & Co. have decades of experience fighting for justice and helping families through heartbreaking times. Let us assist by offering a free case review — providing an opportunity to better understand your legal rights and potential options that can be taken going forward, no matter where in New Mexico you are located.
Schedule a free consultation with one of our medical malpractice attorneys today by calling (505) 871-3740 or by reaching us online.