Approximately 7,000 prescription medications are available in the United States today. With that number, it is easy to imagine that errors can occur when medical practitioners prescribe or dispense medicines.
Mistakes happen sometimes, but when that error occurs in prescription medicine, it can have devastating consequences. How can you know when a simple mistake has crossed the line and become medical malpractice?
When duty is breached
When you visit a doctor to treat a specific condition, you establish a professional relationship between you and the healthcare provider. You expect to receive a high standard of care, and they are bound by their duty to provide it.
However, a breach of this duty happens when you receive substandard care, like being prescribed a drug that a competent professional would not have given you in similar circumstances.
The breach resulted in injury
For a medical error to constitute malpractice, it must lead to harm. If you suspect your healthcare provider is negligent, you must prove it caused you injury. In the case of medication errors, this means that your condition worsened after taking the wrong medicine.
The error caused significant damages
If you seek to press charges for medical malpractice, you must prove that the injury or harm caused by the medical negligence has resulted in considerable damage. This could include additional medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
If you find yourself harmed by a medical error, seek medical help immediately to address any healthcare concerns quickly. After that, you may consult with a lawyer to help you determine whether your case meets the criteria for medical malpractice.
Although not every error equates to malpractice, understanding the difference can significantly help you protect your health and well-being.
Remember, it is your right to receive appropriate help and good-quality medical care. When that standard is not met, it is also your right to seek justice.