You put your health and even your life in the hands of medical professionals, trusting that they will provide you with the proper care. But what happens when a medication error shatters that trust? Suddenly, instead of the treatment you need, you're dealing with devastating consequences that could impact you for the rest of your life.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a medication mistake, you may feel overwhelmed, angry, and unsure where to turn. At Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon PLLC, we understand the pain and confusion you're going through. Our experienced Seattle medical malpractice attorneys are here to stand up for your rights and help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve after a serious medication error.
Why Choose Our Medical Malpractice Attorneys After a Medication Error
Contact us if a medication error has harmed you or a loved one. We understand how serious medication errors can be and will fight to get you the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and the devastating long-term effects of the hospital or pharmaceutical error.
For decades, our medical malpractice attorneys have been helping injured patients and families in Renton, Seattle, and throughout Washington after a devastating medication error. Our track record of success is unparalleled and a testament to how tenaciously we fight for our clients.
In one tragic case, we represented the parents of an infant who was internally burned to death by a medication overdose 150 times the prescribed amount. We took the case to trial and achieved a jury verdict of $1 million for the parents’ loss and grief – the largest jury award for the death of an infant in the State of Washington at the time.
Types of Medication Errors
Medication errors can take many forms, but they all have one thing in common - they should never happen. Some of the most frequent types of medication mistakes include:
Wrong medication prescribed or administered
Incorrect dosage given
Medication given to the wrong patient
Improper route of administration (e.g., oral vs intravenous)
Failure to account for drug allergies or interactions
Mislabeled or improperly stored medication
Inadequate monitoring after administering medication
Any one of these errors can lead to severe harm, from adverse reactions to long-term health problems and even death. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be immense. But you don't have to face it alone.
Who is Responsible for Medication Errors?
Determining liability in a medication error case can be complex. Depending on the circumstances, one or more parties may be at fault, including:
Physicians are responsible for properly diagnosing patients, selecting appropriate medications, and ensuring the correct dosage and administration. If a doctor prescribes the wrong drug, fails to consider interactions or allergies, or makes other negligent errors, they can be held liable.
Nurses play a vital role in patient care and are often responsible for physically administering medications. If a nurse gives the wrong medication or dosage, administers it incorrectly, or fails to monitor the patient properly, the nurse and potentially their employer could be liable.
Pharmacists are the final line of defense against medication errors. They are responsible for correctly filling prescriptions, checking for interactions and contraindications, and providing accurate instructions. Pharmacist errors in dispensing or labeling medications can have serious repercussions.
Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities must implement proper protocols and safety measures to prevent medication errors. This includes ensuring adequate staffing, training personnel, double-checking orders and doses, and securely storing medications. When systemic problems lead to errors, the facility itself can bear responsibility.
At Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon, we have the knowledge and resources to thoroughly investigate your case, uncover evidence of negligence, and hold all liable parties accountable. We'll review your medical records with a team of experts to determine how the error occurred and who is at fault.
The Human Impact of Medication Errors
Behind every statistic on medication errors, there are real people whose lives have been forever changed. After a medication error, patients who were already vulnerable and seeking help were left to face a longer recovery time or additional medical treatment. They may not be able to work or care for their families, and in some cases, they may face permanent disability and impairment.
In the most tragic cases, medication errors can be fatal. Families are left reeling from the sudden and preventable loss of a loved one, never getting the chance to say goodbye.
No one should endure this trauma due to someone else's negligence. At Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon, we believe in fighting for the rights of patients and families harmed by medication errors. We'll be your voice for justice.
We know that the thought of taking legal action can feel daunting, especially when you're already dealing with so much. However, holding negligent medical professionals and facilities accountable is important not only for your own recovery but also to help prevent future errors and protect other patients.
Contact Our Seattle Medical Malpractice Lawyers After a Medication Error
If you suspect that you or a family member has been the victim of a medication error, it's important to act quickly. The first step is to contact an experienced Seattle medical malpractice attorney at Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon immediately.
To better serve you and your loved ones, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your situation. We'll listen to your story with compassion, answer your questions, and give you an honest assessment of your case. If we take on your case, we'll handle all aspects of the legal process so you can focus on healing.
At Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon, your story matters to us, and we'll fight tirelessly to ensure your voice is heard. If you're ready to learn more about your rights and options after a medication error turns your world upside down, contact Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon today. We'll listen without judgment, answer your questions, and stand by your side every step of the way. Together, we can work to obtain the justice you deserve and start building a brighter tomorrow.
