Medical Malpractice: Injuries and Illnesses Caused by Common Pharmaceuticals

According to information from the United States Food and Drug Administration, almost 1.3 million people suffer from injuries and illnesses because of pharmaceutical mishaps.

It is also reported that one person dies every day because of medication errors. These mistakes usually affect older Americans, and with the increasing population of seniors, it is crucial that you are aware of how your pharmaceutical regimen may cause you harm. Any type this happens, the victim or their family has the right to file a medical malpractice lawsuit.

U.S. Pharmaceutical Regulations to Avoid Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is the main entity that is responsible for ensuring that pharmaceuticals are properly tested, labeled and recalled in the U.S. This organization reports any medication errors that may occur during the distribution process, which include (but aren’t limited to) all of the following:

• Monitoring
• Administering
• Dispensing
• Repackaging
• Prescribing

What Causes Prescription Medication Errors and Leads to Medical Malpractice Lawsuits?

What is surprising is that there are very few pharmaceutical mistakes that occur because of the administration and prescription of the medication. For example, it isn’t likely that taking a dose of pain medication for a period of seven days as prescribed is going to result in a fatal injury. The majority of serious injuries take place because of dosage, labeling or physician mistakes. The FDA has reported that these mistakes are caused because of:

• A misunderstanding that occurs between treating physicians and the patient.
• Confusion or a lack of clarity regarding directions for use or product names.
• Insufficient knowledge about the product.
• Job stress.
• Patient misuse.
• Improper or poor distribution techniques.

Common Pharmaceutical Induced Injuries and Illnesses that Qualify as Medical Malpractice

Since every drug that you take will enter into your bloodstream, all the drugs are going to pass through the kidneys and the body will try to filter out the unwanted toxins. If you fail to take the prescriptions as instructed, or if you are prescribed a dose that is too high, then your kidneys may be injured. This may reduce kidney function and increase the toxins in the blood. This can cause you to suffer from a serious or potentially life-threatening injury.

Additionally, toxins and drugs are filtered through the liver. These toxins may begin to build up in the liver after continued drug use. This can cause liver failure, which will ultimately be fatal. Kidney and liver failure are two of the most common injuries that a person suffers from because of pharmaceutical mistakes.

Improper dosage injuries, mixing medications, and pre-existing conditions can all impact the severity of an injury or illness that occurs because of pharmaceuticals.

Contact an Attorney for Medical Malpractice Help

With the wide array of over the counter medications, pharmaceuticals and unique differences between individuals, it is very common for medication mistakes to occur. If you are the victim of this type of error, then you need the help of a medical malpractice attorney. They can review the facts of your case to help you understand what options you have. More information about medical malpractice and medication errors can be found by contacting the attorneys at Hardesty, Tyde, Green, Ashton & Clifton, P.A. by calling 904-414-4906.

Additional Reading:

Medical Malpractice: Understaffed and Overworked

Medical Malpractice: Common Birth Injuries Due to Negligence