October 15, 2020
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 30 percent of individuals take at least five medications. Adverse drug events lead to significant numbers of emergency room visits and hospitalizations, and many of these situations are actually preventable. An individual who suffers such an event might wonder about the responsibility for the situation and whether legal recourse is available.
What Is the Nature of the Reaction?
It is important to review the potential reactions that might occur after taking a particular medication. Temporary symptoms that resolve as an individual finishes their course of treatment are less likely to cause serious injury. However, some medications can lead to reactions that might cause permanent damage. The Florida Statutes require that an individual considering medical malpractice action related to an adverse drug event or other medical situation needs to demonstrate that there has been an injury.
Were Risks Addressed In Advance?
Negligence is another important element of a medical malpractice action. One of the most important considerations may be whether a medical professional has discussed the risks of a particular medication before prescribing it. The World Health Organization encourages health professionals to communicate with patients, explaining the purpose of using a given medication while also explaining any possible side effects or dangers. Legal action might be appropriate if a prescribing party fails to disclose the dangers of a drug or if there is a failure to consider potential interactions with other drugs.
Additional Considerations When New Medication Makes You Sick
Some adverse drug events occur because of errors in the manufacturing or handling of medications. These can range from contamination during the manufacturing process to incorrect labeling in a pharmacy. Errors can also occur if medication is administered in a clinic or hospital. Although there are efforts to document allergies and other medication concerns as a patient prepares for surgery or a hospital stay, for example, an overworked staff member could administer the wrong medication because of fatigue or distractions. Injury and negligence are crucial considerations in these cases as well.
Contact the Khonsari Law Group for Personal Injury Attorneys
Because there are many possible factors that can contribute to adverse drug events and related injuries, it is important to discuss these issues with a trusted legal professional to identify avenues of recourse. Khonsari Law Group can provide a consultation to identify potential legal options based on the specific details of the situation. Contact us today.