If a nurse’s mistake with medication harmed you or someone close to you, you are not alone. Medication errors in nursing can lead to serious and sometimes life-changing injuries. These errors may cause immediate harm, such as allergic reactions, respiratory issues, or cardiac arrest. But they can also result in long-term complications, including chronic pain, disability, or diminished quality of life. Facing such consequences is emotionally and physically overwhelming, especially when you trusted the healthcare system to provide safe and effective care.
At Brockstedt Mandalas Federico LLC (BMF), we understand how devastating this experience can be. Our firm is nationally recognized for its commitment to protecting patients’ rights in complex medical malpractice cases. In 2023, our partners Chase Brockstedt, Phil Federico, and Tara Clary were named to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list, recognizing the impactful results our team has obtained for victims of medical malpractice. With a combination of deep experience, trial-tested expertise, and a compassionate approach, we are here to help you and your loved ones get the answers and compensation you deserve.
Common Cases of Medication Errors by Nurses
Medication errors by nurses can happen in various settings, from hospitals and nursing homes to outpatient clinics and private practices. Some of the most common medication errors include:
- Administering the wrong medication,
- Giving an incorrect dosage,
- Failing to check for patient allergies,
- Administering medication at the wrong time,
- Using the wrong route (e.g., injecting medication that should be taken orally),
- Confusing similar-sounding medication names,
- Not properly documenting medication administration, and
- Failing to monitor the patient after giving medication.
These types of mistakes can occur due to fatigue, poor communication, inadequate staffing, or a lack of proper training. Regardless of the cause, nurses and the healthcare systems they work within are responsible for following protocols designed to protect patients. When these protocols are ignored or mishandled, the consequences can be severe.
Medication Errors in Nursing: Consequences
The consequences of medication errors in nursing can range from mild to fatal. Some immediate impacts can include nausea, dizziness, allergic reactions, or a drop in blood pressure. More serious outcomes include organ failure, brain damage, stroke, and, in the most tragic cases, death.
In addition to the physical consequences, victims may suffer emotional trauma and financial hardship. The costs associated with medical treatment, lost wages, future care needs, and the loss of independence can be overwhelming. At Brockstedt Mandalas Federico LLC, we work with medical experts to understand the full scope of how an error has affected your life and pursue the compensation needed to address both current and future damages.
How Common are Medication Errors in Nursing
Most people underestimate how common medication errors in nursing are. It is estimated that 7 million inpatient and outpatient visits are impacted by serious medication errors that were potentially avoidable. The most recent annual report from the Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Healthcare Quality shows that since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, serious adverse event reports, which include medication errors, have increased by over 50% at hospitals.
Long shifts, understaffing, distractions, and the complexity of medication regimens, especially in acute care settings, contribute to the frequency of these mistakes. While hospitals and healthcare facilities have protocols in place to reduce these errors, the pressure of the job and system-wide issues can still lead to mistakes.
Nurses, who are often responsible for administering medications directly to patients, play a crucial role in this process and are involved in a significant portion of these errors.
It’s important to understand that just because medication errors are common doesn’t mean they are acceptable. If a nurse’s mistake has harmed you or a loved one, you have the right to seek legal recourse.
Reporting Medication Errors in Nursing
Reporting medication errors in nursing is critical in preventing future mistakes and protecting patient rights. In Maryland, nurses are required to report medication errors through their employer’s internal system and, in some cases, to the Maryland Board of Nursing.
For patients, reporting the error to the healthcare provider or facility is important, but it is also vital to consult with a medical malpractice attorney. In many cases, facilities may not provide a full or transparent account of what happened. An attorney can help investigate the incident, gather evidence, and determine whether negligence occurred.
At Brockstedt Mandalas Federico LLC, we take this process seriously. Our team thoroughly investigates the circumstances of each case, reviews medical records, consults with independent medical experts, and evaluates whether the standard of care was violated. We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on recovery.
Contact Brockstedt Mandalas Federico LLC Today
If you believe that you or someone you care about has been harmed by a medication error committed by a nurse, the first step is to speak with a knowledgeable attorney. At BMF, we are here to help you understand your legal options and guide you every step of the way.
With decades of combined experience and a deep commitment to our clients, our Maryland-based medical malpractice team has earned a reputation for trusted advocacy and powerful results. We know how difficult it is to put trust in others and see that trust broken. We’re here to make sure your voice is heard and your rights are protected in cases involving medication errors in nursing.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue justice and secure the compensation you deserve.
Phil Federico is a partner at Brockstedt Mandalas Federico where he helps lead the Mass Tort / Class Action and Environmental Law practices, transitioning into these areas after beginning his career as a medical malpractice litigator.
Phil has led and been involved in historic and groundbreaking litigation with verdicts and settlements exceeding one billion dollars.
Loading...