Pittsburgh Medication Error Lawyers

Have You Suffered Due to a Medication Error?

Medication errors by doctors, pharmacists, and other medical professionals can cause patients severe injuries and even wrongful death. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a medication error, an experienced medication errors attorney can help you pursue compensation for the losses you have suffered.

At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., we have extensive experience helping people who have suffered due to the improper prescription and administration of medicine. Our attorneys will work with you personally to help you achieve your legal goals.

Contact our Pittsburgh Law Firm today online or by telephone at (844) 383-0565 to speak with a knowledgeable medication error lawyer.

Providing Medication to Patients

Medication is distributed through a coordinated process involving physicians, pharmacists, and nursing staff, often supported by electronic systems. A physician begins by diagnosing the patient and prescribing medication based on factors like age, weight, medical history, allergies, and potential drug interactions. These prescriptions are typically entered into electronic health record systems (EHRs), which may flag potential issues such as contraindications or dosage errors. 

A pharmacist then reviews the order for accuracy, checks for interactions or duplications, and prepares or dispenses the medication. In hospitals, medications may be prepared manually or with the help of automated systems and are then administered by nurses, who are responsible for verifying the correct patient, dosage, and method of delivery.

Common Medication Errors and Your Rights

A medication error occurs when a mistake happens in the process of prescribing, dispensing, or administering medication that results in harm or potential harm to a patient. These errors can happen at any point in the medication process, from prescribing by a healthcare provider to the patient taking the medication.

Some of the most common medication errors are due to:

• Prescribing the wrong dosage
• Prescribing the wrong medicine
• Errors in communication between doctor and pharmacist
• The wrong dosage being given during the course of medical treatment
• Overlooking an allergy or a patient's medical history

Here are some common causes of medication errors:

• Human Error - Mistakes made by healthcare professionals, such as prescribing the wrong medication or dosage, administering medication incorrectly, or misinterpreting a prescription.
• Communication Errors - Inadequate communication between healthcare providers, patients, and pharmacists can lead to misunderstandings or misinformation about medication orders or instructions.
• Equipment or Technology Malfunction - Errors can occur due to malfunctioning equipment or technology used in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications, such as automated dispensing machines or electronic health record systems.
• Poor Handwriting - Illegible handwriting on prescriptions can lead to misinterpretation by pharmacists or other healthcare providers, resulting in the wrong medication being dispensed.
• Lack of Knowledge or Training - Inadequate training or knowledge about medications, dosage calculations, or proper administration techniques can contribute to medication errors.
• Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Medications - Medications with similar names or packaging can be easily confused, leading to the wrong medication being prescribed, dispensed, or administered.
• Patient Factors - Patient-related factors such as allergies, medical conditions, non-adherence to medication regimens, or language barriers can increase the risk of medication errors.
• Environmental Factors - Distractions, interruptions, high workload, or understaffing in healthcare settings can contribute to medication errors by compromising the attention and focus of healthcare professionals.
• Incorrect Labeling or Packaging - Errors can occur if medications are incorrectly labeled or packaged, leading to confusion about the medication's identity or dosage.
• Transcription Errors - Errors can occur when transferring medication orders from one source to another, such as from a physician's prescription to a medication administration record, leading to discrepancies or mistakes in medication administration.

If you feel you have been harmed due to a medication error, our Pittsburgh medical malpractice attorneys are here to help. We will carefully review your case to determine at what point the error took place and who was at fault. We will help you determine the short-term and long-term consequences, so you can pursue maximum compensation for the losses you have suffered.

Medication Error FAQs

Can I file a lawsuit for a medication error in Pittsburgh?

Yes. If you were harmed due to a preventable medication error caused by negligence—whether by a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or hospital—you may have grounds to file a medical malpractice claim in Pennsylvania.

Who can be held liable for a medication error?

Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include physicians, nurses, pharmacists, hospitals, or nursing homes. Liability typically depends on who was responsible for the error and whether they breached the standard of care.

What damages can I recover in a medication error lawsuit?

In a successful claim, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future treatment costs, and possibly punitive damages if gross negligence is involved.

How long do I have to file a medication error claim in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is generally two years from the date you knew or should have known about the injury. However, some exceptions may apply, especially in cases involving minors or discovery delays.

What evidence is needed to prove a medication error?

Strong evidence may include medical records, expert testimony, pharmacy logs, prescriptions, and witness statements. An attorney will typically work with medical experts to establish that the error breached the accepted standard of care.

What should I do if I suspect I was harmed by a medication error?

Seek immediate medical attention to address any harm, and request copies of all relevant medical records. Then, consult a qualified attorney as soon as possible to evaluate your legal options and preserve your rights.

Do I need a lawyer to file a medication error claim?

While it’s not legally required, hiring an experienced medical malpractice attorney is highly recommended. These cases are complex and often require expert witnesses and a thorough investigation to prove liability and damages.

Free Consultation: Contact Our Medication Error Attorneys

Have you or a loved one been injured due to a medication error? We offer free initial consultations and bill on a contingency fee basis — you will only be asked to reimburse us for costs and fees if we are successful for you.

Get in touch with us today online or by telephone at (844) 383-0565 to speak with an experienced Pittsburgh medication error lawyer.