Los Angeles Medication Error Lawyer

We’ve Won Over $1 Billion for our Clients

Health care providers use an array of powerful medications to treat serious injuries and illnesses. And while these drugs are often essential to curing ailments or improving a patient’s quality of life, they can and often do come with risks.

Unfortunately, health care providers don’t always uphold the standard of care when using medications to treat their patients. If a doctor or other provider erred in some way when prescribing or administering medications and patients suffer harm, they can be held liable for medical malpractice.

At Bostwick & Peterson, LLP, our award-winning team has become a leader in litigating complex medical negligence lawsuits. Our Los Angeles medication error attorneys are available to discuss your potential medication mistake lawsuit and how we can help.

• Since 2018, we’ve broken the record for largest malpractice recovery in California history twice.
• We have recovered over $1 billion in compensation for clients.
• James Bostwick is a Certified Medical Malpractice Specialist.

Bostwick & Peterson offers FREE consultations and collects no fee unless we win. To discuss your case with a lawyer, contact us today at (213) 519-5636.

What is a Medication Error?

A medication error is any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm while the medication is in the control of a healthcare professional, patient, or consumer. These errors can occur at any stage of the medication process, including prescribing, dispensing, administering, or monitoring.

A medication error can include any of the following:

• Prescribing the wrong medication for the illness or condition
• Prescribing/administering the wrong dosage
• Prescribing/administering a medication that the patient is allergic to
• Prescribing/administering a medication that does not react well with other medications the patient is taking
• Administering medication to the wrong patient
• Anesthesia errors
• Failure to treat infections with medication

Adverse Effects of Medication Errors

Unfortunately, negative consequences can result from errors made during the medication process. These effects can range from minor discomfort to severe complications, long-term harm, or even death. Medication errors compromise patient safety, increase healthcare costs, and can cause emotional and psychological distress for patients, families, and healthcare providers.

Here are the key adverse effects:

• Physical Injury: The most direct and severe consequence of medication errors can be physical harm to the patient. This may include organ damage, allergic reactions, or physical injury from improper medication administration.
• Toxicity: Overdose of a medication or taking the wrong drug can lead to toxicity. For example, an incorrect dose of a drug like warfarin can cause bleeding or clotting disorders.
• Allergic Reactions: A medication error involving the wrong drug or dose can lead to an allergic reaction, ranging from mild rashes to severe anaphylaxis (a life-threatening condition).
• Failure to Treat the Condition: If the wrong medication is administered or the proper medication is not given, the patient’s condition may worsen because they aren't receiving the necessary treatment.
• Treatment Failure: A medication error might result in a drug not working as intended, leading to an inability to control symptoms or conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or infections, which can lead to complications.
• Drug Interactions: When medications are incorrectly administered, they may interact with other drugs the patient is taking, leading to adverse effects, such as bleeding, heart arrhythmias, or kidney failure.
• Resistance: Errors in administering antibiotics or antiviral medications can lead to the development of resistance, making infections harder to treat in the future.
• Patient Anxiety and Distress: Medication errors can cause patients emotional distress due to fear of harm or confusion about their treatment. This may also affect their trust in healthcare professionals.
• Guilt and Stress in Healthcare Providers: Healthcare workers involved in medication errors often experience guilt, stress, or burnout, affecting their emotional well-being and job satisfaction.
• Prolonged Recovery: If a medication error occurs, it may lead to complications that require additional treatment or prolonged hospitalization, thereby extending the patient's recovery period and increasing healthcare costs.
• Financial Burden: Medication errors can result in additional medical treatments, longer hospital stays, and more frequent doctor visits, leading to increased costs for both patients and healthcare systems.
• Lawsuits and Legal Action: Patients who suffer harm from medication errors may pursue legal action against healthcare providers or institutions. This can result in lawsuits, financial settlements, and damaged reputations for the healthcare professionals or organizations involved.
• Resource Strain: Medication errors can place unnecessary strain on healthcare resources, as they may require additional medical interventions, staff time, and increased use of facilities like intensive care units or emergency departments.
• Loss of Trust: Healthcare institutions or providers involved in medication errors may lose the trust of their patients and the public, which can harm their reputation and lead to a decline in patient satisfaction.

Medical Error Lawsuits: When is a Mistake Malpractice?

We rely on our doctors to uphold the standard of care when prescribing and administering medications. When their substandard care causes harm, victims have the right to take action.

When you suffer injury or worsening of your illness due to a medication error, the doctor who prescribed this medication should be held responsible for their mistake.

If you or a loved one suffered due to a medication error, you may have options for legal action, and our attorneys can help you determine your best course of action in your medical malpractice suit.

Examples of Our Medication Error Settlements & Verdicts

• $17 million settlement over provider's failure to treat a routine infection in pregnant mother with medication, resulting in brain injury to the baby.
• $9.75 million settlement over provider's failure to treat sepsis and an excessive administration of medication to reduce blood pressure, resulting in amputation of arms and legs.
• $4 million recovery over infant medication overdose resulting in brain injury.

Call for a FREE Case Review: (213) 519-5636

When a medication error causes illness or death, you may not be sure what to do. Contacting an attorney from Bostwick & Peterson is the first step you can take. We have over 60 years of combined experience in the area of medical malpractice and we can help you get started on your medical malpractice or wrongful death claim.

Contact our firm today if you or a loved one has suffered due to a medication error: (213) 519-5636.