Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Massachusetts medication error?
A Massachusetts medication error is defined, under Massachusetts law, as “any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm while the medication is in the control of the health care professional, patient or consumer.” Massachusetts medication errors may be made by a Massachusetts physician, a Massachusetts pharmacist, a Massachusetts nurse, a Massachusetts anesthesiologist or a Massachusetts pharmaceutical company.
Who is at risk for a Massachusetts medication mistake?
Any Massachusetts resident who takes a prescription medication is at risk for a Massachusetts medication mistake. However some individuals are more vulnerable than others to injuries as a result of Massachusetts medication errors. The elderly are at the greatest risk of serious harm because they often take multiple prescription medications. A recent study by the Food and Drug Administration found that almost one half of all fatal medication errors occurred in people over the age of 60.
Who may be liable for a Massachusetts medication mistake?
Any Massachusetts health care provider who is in control of a prescription medication has a legal responsibility to prevent harm to a Massachusetts patient as a result of a mistake with that medication. This includes anyone who may come into contact with the medication, such as Massachusetts doctors, Massachusetts nurses, Massachusetts anesthesiologists, Massachusetts pharmacists and Massachusetts pharmacy assistants. Sometimes, Massachusetts pharmaceutical companies may be liable as well, if they were negligent in the production or packaging of the medication before it was sent to Massachusetts hospitals or Massachusetts pharmacies.
Can I do anything to prevent a Massachusetts medication error?
The best way for you to help prevent a Massachusetts medication mistake is to remain as informed as possible. When you visit your Massachusetts doctor, make sure you provide his or her office with your comprehensive medical history, including all prescription medications you have taken in the past or are currently taking. Make sure you are fully educated about the medicine which you will be taking. Be proactive in double-checking the labels on your Massachusetts prescriptions and verifying the accurate dosages. Finally, if you have any questions at all, do not hesitate to ask your Massachusetts doctor or Massachusetts nurse prior to taking any medication. Please be aware that your Massachusetts medication error claim is not barred if you fail to prevent a Massachusetts medication mistake. This is because every Massachusetts health care professional has a strict duty to prevent harm to a Massachusetts patient from medication mistakes when he or she is in control of the medication.
What should I do if I have been injured as a result of a Massachusetts medication error?
- Seek immediate medical care as soon as you believe you have suffered an injury as a result of a Massachusetts medication mistake. It is important that you get treatment for your injuries as soon as possible to safeguard your health and prevent further aggravation of a condition.
- Keep all potential evidence in a safe place. This includes the prescription bottle, instructions, any leftover medication and any receipts from the Massachusetts pharmacy. All of these things may become vital pieces of evidence in your Massachusetts medication mistake case.
- Do not make any statements about the Massachusetts medication error to anyone except your Boston medication mistake lawyers at the Law Offices of Gilbert R. Hoy, Jr. and Affiliates or another Massachusetts health care provider whom you visit to treat your injuries. It is very likely that a Massachusetts insurance company or pharmaceutical company will contact you to request a statement. Massachusetts insurance companies often try to settle cases directly with Massachusetts victims, and injured parties usually receive a fraction of the damages to which they are entitled. Before giving a statement to anyone, call the highly qualified, expert Boston wrongful death attorneys and Boston medication error lawyers today at the Law Offices of Gilbert R. Hoy, Jr. and Affiliates at 617-787-3700 or email us at info@gilhoylaw.com.
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