Tucson Medication Error Lawyers
Is your loved one in a nursing home? Do you suspect that they were given the wrong medication? Are you currently dealing with the effects of a medication error as a result of nursing home negligence? If any of this sounds familiar, call (520) 529-1515 today to speak with an experienced attorney at Russo Law Firm. We have the experience you need to put a stop to the mistreatment of anyone you know who is in a nursing home and is not getting the correct medication they need.
Medication error cases require an experienced Tucson nursing home negligence attorney. The patient’s health will be evaluated when medication errors happen because prior health is relevant in assessing the error. This can lead to hours of research, consultation with various doctors, and having to read over volumes of medical histories and practices. On the legal procedure end, there is discovery, formulation of legal arguments, consulting expert witnesses, and offering settlements in your best interests to the opposing party. A knowledgeable nursing home negligence attorney can help you in all of these tasks and ensure you get the best possible outcome for you and your loved one.
Why Choose Russo Law Firm
At Russo Law Firm, you are more than just another case. We will work tirelessly to get you the justice you deserve, regardless of how big or small your case is. We’ve been practicing in Tucson since 1956, so we have the experience and knowledge needed to win your case. Let us help you and your family recover from this horrible event by setting up a consultation at (520) 529-1515.
Signs of Medication Error
Some medication errors are easy to catch—they are obvious and lead to immediate and severe injury to the nursing home resident. Unfortunately, there are also more subtle medication errors that are not obviously and immediately injurious. They may cause small changes or a gradual decline in your loved one that is not immediately noticeable. This latter example is most common in errors that occur with loved ones who have multiple or severe illnesses. It is also common to miss signs of medication errors in disabled patients, as they may not be unable to vocalize their concerns clearly. As such, some of the more minor symptoms of medication errors may include the following:
- Loss of concentration
- Gradual, yet unexpected, worsening in health
- Diagnosis of unrelated and/or unexpected ailments with regard to current health and history.
If you see any of the above symptoms and you suspect your loved one is the victim of medication error, it is time to contact an attorney. An experienced attorney from Russo Law Firm can help you assess your loved one’s situation and plan the next steps to protect them and their rights in the nursing home.
Health Impact of Medication Errors
Medication errors are serious acts of negligence that can have a highly detrimental impact on patient health. This is especially the case when the patient is elderly because it may be more difficult for them to recover from the harm inflicted by the medication errors. Medication errors can lead to any of the following health concerns:
- Seizures
- Comas
- General immune system suppression
- Organ failure
- General medical complications
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Allergic reactions, both severe and minor
- Death
Likewise, minor overdosing or the incorrect administration of medication can cause long-term health damage and related injuries. While minor medication errors may not create direct consequences, they can still indirectly result in serious related injuries. For example, a slight overage in the administration of a sedative may make a patient less lucid, but over-confident. This, in turn, may lead to a fall while walking, causing serious injuries. Any broken bones or bruises a patient incurs from an incident like this are the result of patient actions and contribution. However, the medication error is still the underlying cause of the accident. Even a slight overage medication means the patient could experience decreased awareness, coordination, or control. Thus, nursing homes that have been negligent in administering medication may still be at fault for damages incurred by the patient.
Any and all medication errors have consequences. They are also rooted in negligence by a party with a duty to not harm you or your loved ones. The sooner your case is reviewed by an attorney, the sooner you can obtain the best result possible in recovering damages your loved one may have sustained.
Medication Errors and Long-Term Damages
Caring for a loved one who has endured a medication error injury can also lead to long-term damages. Lifestyle changes to address and treat the unforeseen injuries can be significant and costly. The pain and suffering that result from such negligence are also life-changing. Avoid having to carry this emotional and financial burden by yourself. Any nursing home that was negligent in administering medication to you or your loved one should be held liable for these long-term, foreseeable damages.
How Does Medication Error Occur?
Broadly speaking, medication error is a result of negligence by the nursing home. But how, specifically, does it occur? Medication errors can occur for the following reasons:
- Overlooking or misapplying patient information
- Misinterpreting drug information and administration
- Faulty institutional quality processes and risk assessment
- Staff competency issues
- Staffing or understaffing issues
These types of errors fall under four categories of errors: knowledge-based errors, rule-based errors, action-based errors, and memory-based errors. All of these “root causes” for error are human and understandable. But they are no excuse for the damage they cause to nursing home patients. Whatever the reason for the medication error, the appropriate party should be held responsible for damages incurred by the patient and their family.
Contact Russo Law Firm Today
If you or your loved one has suffered damages from a medication error in a nursing home, you have options. Calling Russo Law Firm today at (520) 529-1515 for a consultation is the first step to success in your case. Our experienced nursing home neglect attorneys will defend you and your loved one’s best interests and get you the compensation you legally deserve. Contact us today to begin righting the wrongs your loved one has suffered through.
