Maryland Pharmacy Medical Malpractice

When pharmacists or pharmacy assistants dispense medications filled or prepared improperly, consumers experience serious consequences. A report published by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies states that medication errors rank among the most frequent medical mistakes. These mistakes affect approximately 1.5 million people annually. Hospitals incur billions of dollars in expenses from admitting patients having medication related injuries.

Though common, medication errors are one of the most preventable types of injury suffered by the general public. Studies suggest that the number of wrongful deaths associated with medication errors is on the rise, due in part to the stress placed on pharmacists, assistants and other medical personnel to accomplish more work in less time.

The number of available pharmacists decreases while the demands of the general public increase. Mail order pharmacies and pharmacies found in famous brand name chain stores typically require more of pharmacists than merely filling prescriptions. Modern marketing concepts found in current corporate structures often give rise to numerous problems that affect the average consumer. The desire for profit unfortunately sometimes exceeds the need for public protection.

The National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention is another organization that reports well over one million people endure injuries that relate directly to medication errors. Studies conducted by the Federal Drug Administration indicate that fatalities occurring secondary to medication errors depict a number of scenarios. Improper medication dosing accounted for 41 percent of fatalities. Providing the wrong medication or administering a medication by the wrong route each accounted for 16 percent of the fatalities.

Reports also indicate that patients aged 60 and over are the most likely to suffer injury because of medication errors, as almost half of the fatal reported cases occurred in this age group. Older adults are often more susceptible to medication errors because of the number of prescriptions each individual requires.

Baltimore Medical Malpractice Attorneys assist clients in acquiring ethical and appropriate compensation for injuries suffered secondary to medication errors committed by physicians, nurses, pharmacists and technicians working in clinics, hospitals and pharmacies. When individuals or family members experience injury because of medication errors, consult a Baltimore Medical Malpractice Attorney. Our firm assists clients in and around the Baltimore, Maryland region.

Medication errors present a variety of symptoms that Maryland patients should be aware of: 

• Allergic Reactions
• Bladder or Bowel Incontinence
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Muscle Cramping
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Paralysis
• Unusual Fatigue
• Loss of Consciousness
• Muscle Cramping
• Hemorrhage
• Heart Attack
• Stroke
• Organ Failure

Maryland Pharmacy Medical Malpractice suits often become quite complex. Errors occurring in hospitals often involve many people who all played a part in the prescription, preparation and administration processes. Medical errors require investigative research and strategic case preparation. Contacting a Baltimore Medical Malpractice Attorney ensures that clients receive assistance provided by highly trained and qualified lawyers who specialize in medication error lawsuits.