A medication dosage error happens when you receive too much, too little, or the wrong strength of a prescribed drug. If that mistake causes harm, you have the legal right to pursue compensation from the at-fault party. In Harrisburg medical facilities, medication passes through multiple people, including physicians, pharmacists, and nurses, which increases the number of points where errors can occur.
If you suspect that you were harmed due to a medication dosage error, our medical malpractice attorneys at Marzella & Associates can investigate how the error occurred, determine who you can hold responsible for your injury, and make sure you understand your legal rights after a malpractice incident.
How Do Medication Dosage Mistakes Happen in Harrisburg?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports receiving more than 100,000 medication error reports yearly through its adverse event monitoring system. These errors include incorrect dosing, wrong drugs, and administration mistakes. Medication dosage mistakes typically result from system failures. Other common causes include:
- Misreading physician orders
- Decimal point errors (for example, 10 mg written instead of 1.0 mg)
- Failure to adjust the dosage for a person’s weight or kidney function
- Pharmacy dispensing the wrong drug concentration
- Inadequate patient monitoring after administration of the medication
For instance, a patient admitted for an infection may receive an antibiotic dosage that exceeds safe levels because their weight was incorrectly documented. Another patient may have received double doses of insulin because hospital staff failed to communicate shift changes properly. Unfortunately, even small miscalculations can lead to severe complications.
What Injuries Can Result from Medication Dosage Errors in Harrisburg?
Medication dosage errors can cause:
- Organ damage
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Cardiac complications
- Internal bleeding
- Long-term neurological injury
The National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCCMERP) explains that medication errors can result in temporary harm, permanent injury, or death, depending on severity. When a dosage error leads to extended hospitalization or permanent impairment, the financial and physical impact can be significant.
What Are Your Rights After Getting Injured Due to a Medication Dosage Mistake?
If a medication dosage error harms you, Pennsylvania law gives you specific rights to protect your health, hold the responsible parties accountable, and pursue full compensation. These rights include:
Access to Your Complete Medical Records
You can request all records related to your treatment, including doctor notes, nursing logs, pharmacy dispensing records, lab results, and imaging reports. These records are the foundation for understanding exactly what went wrong and who was responsible.
Independent Medical Evaluation
You have the right to seek an independent medical opinion to assess the error, its severity, and long-term consequences. This helps confirm whether the hospital or healthcare professional deviated from standard care.
Investigation of The Incident
You can ask the hospital or healthcare provider to investigate the error, including reviewing protocols, staff training, and communication logs. Hospitals sometimes conduct internal reviews. Your Harrisburg medical malpractice lawyer can request formal documentation to preserve evidence.
Protection Against Retaliation
Pennsylvania law protects patients who report safety concerns. Hospitals can’t refuse treatment or penalize you for reporting an error. You have the right to advocate for your own safety, including asking staff to clarify medication orders or verify dosages.
Knowing Your Financial and Legal Remedies
You are entitled to compensation for harm caused by medication errors, which can include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and long-term monitoring
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, or permanent disability
Legal Action Through a Medical Malpractice Claim in Harrisburg
If the dosage error caused harm, you can pursue a medical malpractice claim with the assistance of a medical malpractice lawyer in Harrisburg. Knowing your rights early allows you to act quickly, secure critical evidence, prevent hospitals or insurers from minimizing the error, and ensure that you get maximum compensation for your losses.
Connect With Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Harrisburg
For your complimentary case evaluation with our Harrisburg medical malpractice attorneys, email Marzella & Associates or call 717-876-8681.