Pharmacy Malpractice
What Is Pharmacy Malpractice? Understanding the Dangers
Pharmacies must uphold high standards to ensure patients are given safe medications in proper dosages. When pharmacy errors occur, the effects on the victim and their loved ones can be catastrophic. Here are some basics regarding medical malpractice and pharmacy errors.
Standard of Care
Pharmacists are expected to dispense medications in accordance with a doctor's orders. Pharmacists must also check newly prescribed drugs to prevent adverse reactions. Dispensing the proper instructions for use with correct dosage and frequency are obviously also essential.
Pharmacist Negligence
Malpractice by a pharmacist means they have breached their duty of care. This could mean dispensing the wrong medication, misprinting labels, and any other errors made by assistants and technicians at the pharmacy. These mistakes put patients at risk.
Alarming Numbers Surrounding Medication Errors
The sheer number of people affected by avoidable medication errors each year should be a wake-up call to everyone, from doctors and pharmacists to patients who take prescription drugs.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, an estimated 7 million Americans are affected each year by preventable medication errors. These adverse drug effects cost $21 billion annually.
Different Types of Pharmacy Malpractice
Medical malpractice at a pharmacy can take numerous forms. Here are some of the most common examples at pharmacies here in Richmond and across the country.
Filling the Wrong Prescription
When a pharmacy dispenses the wrong medication, a patient's health is put at risk. In some cases, a medication mix-up can affect multiple pharmacy customers, leading to adverse health effects.Incorrect Labeling or Dosage
Pharmacists need to double-check medication labels with the doctor's original prescription to ensure the details and dosage are correct. Labeling errors could lead to a number of health dangers.Incorrect Instructions for Use
Many cases of malpractice arise over medication instructions, from minor errors to a total lack of instructions. Prescription drug patients must know the frequency of use and other crucial information.Failure to Note Drug Contraindications
Certain drugs should not be taken together as they can cause adverse medical conditions. This is known as a contraindication. Pharmacists must be mindful to identify potentially fatal drug combinations.Schedule a Free Consultation with an Attorney Who Fights for Malpractice Victims
Josh Silverman is a Richmond, VA, native who's practiced personal injury law in the state for 20 years. He also holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell©, the highest peer review rating awarded by that legal organization. Martindale-Hubbell also selected Mr. Silverman as a Top Rated Lawyer in Healthcare Law in 2015. Mr. Silverman is a member of the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association.
For more information about your legal options against negligent medical professionals, be sure to contact Silverman Law Firm LC for a consultation at our Richmond, VA, injury attorney's office. You can reach us by phone at:
(804) 325-4992
Five-Star Client Reviews for a Leading Richmond Attorney
Natalia Lataria
Richmond, VA
2024
Mr. Silverman is an excellent attorney. He is very knowledgeable, intelligent, kind, attentive to details, sincere in his desire to represent your best interests, provides clear guidance, and his team is also very efficient and caring. I highly recommend Silverman Law Firm to anybody in need of an attorney.
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Corey Boone
2020
Mr. Silverman was greatly helpful in advocating for me and providing clear and sound guidance after my car accident in the summer of 2019. He was easy to work with and his staff was very supportive as well.
View On GooglePrescription Drug Errors Must Be Taken Seriously
How a Pharmacy Malpractice Attorney Can Help with Your Case
If you are unsure whether you have a viable malpractice claim, speaking with a medical malpractice lawyer is essential. The people of Richmond can seek legal counsel and guidance from the Silverman Law Firm LC. Our team can:
During a free legal consultation, Mr. Silverman will discuss the circumstances of your case. He can let you know if you have a medical malpractice or wrongful death lawsuit worth pursuing and offer an assessment of what to expect.
In order to prove injuries were the result of pharmacy malpractice, Mr. Silverman reviews patient medical records and consults treating physicians. Working with trusted experts helps build strong medical malpractice evidence.
To be an effective malpractice lawyer, Mr. Silverman learns the science behind the drug or drugs involved. This deeper understanding allows him to identify a connection between the act of negligence and the harm it causes.
Legal Damages in Pharmacy Malpractice Lawsuits
Different kinds of restitution can be sought against a negligent pharmacist or pharmacy. Our medical malpractice lawyer will go over what losses may be recovered in the lawsuit.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages sought by a malpractice lawyer are intended to cover the material and financial losses associated with an act of negligence. In pharmacy malpractice cases, this includes medical bills, funerary expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and the estimated cost of future medical care stemming from the injury.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not tied to any material or financial hardships. Instead, these damages punish the negligent party or parties. While rare in medical malpractice lawsuits, punitive damages may be warranted in cases of egregious pharmacy errors. The amount of punitive damages can vary depending on the nature of the case.
A Skilled Personal Injury Attorney Serving the People of Richmond
Shaquille Heath
Richmond, VA
2024
Kind, understanding and efficient are the words that come to mind with Mr. Silverman and his team! I am extremely grateful and satisfied with the service that they have provided!
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Donald C
2019
Joshua Silverman and Sophia Sam are the most helpful, courteous, hard working people guaranteed to get you great results. The entire staff treats you as family not JUST A CUSTOMER. The most outstanding service I've ever had from an attorney and paralegal ever. I recommend Silverman Law Firm to everyone. I will definitely use them again.
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