Protecting the Elderly from Medication Errors
Medication errors may not appear like a big deal at first, but one oversight can have life-threatening repercussions. For families with loved ones in Connecticut nursing homes, their concern about responsible medication distribution can create ongoing stress. While nursing home staff should have adequate experience to understand the impact of medication on a person’s overall health, errors can sometimes happen. People who understand how to minimize these errors can help protect their family members and recognize signs of danger before it is too late.
Medication errors can often be caused by caretaker negligence
Medication errors do not happen solely because seniors accidentally overlook instructions or have a memory lapse. Caretakers are also accountable for monitoring medication consumption. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the aged 65 and older category, a staggering 450,000 visits to emergency rooms across the U.S. each year result from an adverse drug reaction. A medication error can happen because of negligence or oversight on the part of the caretaker or the person consuming the drug. Doctors and pharmacists are also to blame on occasion for prescribing incorrect medication or recommending an inappropriate dose. Medication errors can also happen when doctors fail to acknowledge other medications that a patient takes regularly that could negatively interact with certain drugs.
Preventing medication errors with proactive monitoring
Families and caretakers can work together to prevent medication errors through proactive monitoring. Mayo Clinic suggests some helpful tips to help prevent medication errors including the following:
- Maintain open and frequent communication with doctors
- Understand the potential side effects of new medications
- Understand dosing requirements
If families feel at all concerned about their loved one’s reaction to certain medications, they should immediately notify a doctor.
Medication errors caused by negligence may be grounds for a lawsuit
Worsening health problems caused because of medication errors may cause chronic suffering. In these situations, families may choose to file a lawsuit. If you feel that your loved one has been harmed by a medication error due to someone else's negligence, call us now. We specialize in several different types of medical malpractice cases, including medication errors. We'll fight hard to get your loved one the compensation they deserve for their pain and suffering.
The statute of limitations for medical malpractice is short. Call us now!
In Connecticut, there is a two year statute of limitations on medical malpractice cases. This includes medication error cases. So if you think you have grounds for a lawsuit for a medication error, call us right away for a free consultation. Our lawyers are proactive and will take legal action in a timely manner to make sure your claim is filed in a timely fashion.
