Many people in Columbus rely on doctors to provide accurate medical diagnoses and pharmacists to properly fill prescriptions. However, sometimes these expectations are not met. Unfortunately, the result of a misdiagnosis or a prescription mistake can be severe for patients, who often have to file a medical malpractice claim to get their lives back on track.

As Americans continue to use an increasing number of medications, it becomes more likely that doctors and pharmacists, if they fail to provide appropriate care, will end up confusing prescriptions. However, medication and pharmacy errors can cause serious personal injuries, and it is patients who are left to pick up the pieces.

At least 1.5 million people are harmed each year from medication errors. According to a report released by the Institute of Medicine, hospitals experience at least one error in medication per patient each day.

Sometimes patients misunderstand directions and cause their own medication errors. Still, there are other times when a doctor prescribes the wrong medication or the pharmacist makes a mistake in filling a prescription. In these cases, the patient may be entitled to compensation for damages suffered as a result of medical negligence.

When a hospital or pharmacist fails to meet a reasonable standard of care, and that failure causes harm, injury or even death to another person, then that person or their family is entitled to compensation through a medical malpractice claim. In the event that the patient is fatally injured, this may also lead to a wrongful death claim.

Medical malpractice cases can be emotionally draining and complicated for all parties involved. Ohio residents who have been injured as a result of medical negligence should be fully aware of their rights as victims.

Source: MPR News, “Preventing medication mistakes,” May 2, 2012