Medical Malpractice: Medication Errors | North Carolina Medical Malpractice Lawyers

When we hear about medical malpractice, we often think about surgeries gone wrong or mistakes in the delivery room. However, one of the common types of medical malpractice is less out in the open: medication errors. These types of errors can be dangerous and deadly - and they are some of the easiest mistakes to make. A simple oversight, misread label, wrong diagnosis, or mixed up file could lead to terrible consequences. Here are the most common types of medication errors:

· Wrong dose. The wrong dose of medication can either fail to treat the patient or lead to a deadly overdose. 100 ccs can be mistaken for 10 ccs - and suddenly the medical professional who is supposed to be helping you is harming your body.

· Harmful medication reactions/interactions. If your doctor does not closely read your file, he could prescribe a medication to you that you are allergic to - or a medication that reacts poorly with a medication you are already on. Both are negligent acts.

· Wrong medication. Perhaps your nurse mixes up two patients' medications - or perhaps your pharmacist gives you the wrong bottle of pills. Both scenarios could have a serious impact on your help.

· Wrong diagnosis and wrong medication. If your doctor incorrectly diagnoses your medical problem or condition, he may also give you the wrong medication to treat your illness. Taking a medication for a condition you don't have can be extremely dangerous and could have debilitating side effects.

· Blood infusion errors. Blood can save your life in many instances, but if you are given the wrong blood type during your transfusion, there can be serious complications.