California Medication Error Attorney
A Skilled Lawyer Fighting for Patients Harmed by Medication Errors in San Francisco
When healthcare professionals fail to double-check dosages, disregard detailed patient histories, or inaccurately read prescriptions, the risk of administering the wrong medication increases. These errors often arise from avoidable issues like distractions, miscommunication, or lack of thorough training. Patients exposed to these mistakes can face severe consequences, including allergic reactions, worsening of their conditions, or life-threatening complications.
If you suffered harm because of a medication error, our team at Peterson Injury Law can help you understand your rights and legal options. We can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the error and determine whether negligence was involved. If we believe you have a medical malpractice claim, we can provide guidance and advocacy throughout each stage of the legal process and work tirelessly to get you just compensation for damages.
Our founding attorney, Erik L. Peterson, is an experienced litigator with over three decades of legal experience, has been included among The Best Lawyers in America©, and has been selected as a Senior Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America. Our firm is prepared to go to court to get you the compensation you deserve, and you owe our firm nothing unless we help you recover damages. We are also available 24/7 to take your call, so do not wait to get in touch.
Our California medication error lawyer wants to hear your story. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation by calling (415) 630-2913 or contact us online.
Types of Compensation Available in California Medication Error Cases
A successful medication error claim allows you to recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover quantifiable financial expenses and focus on the measurable monetary impact of the error on your life. Non-economic damages address the emotional and psychological challenges caused by the error.
We can help you seek compensation for all of your economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
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$3.75 Million Anesthesia Error
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$6.25 Million Anoxic Brain Injury, Anesthesia Error
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Record-Setting $17 Million Birth Injury Settlement
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“He couldn't have managed independence to this extent, his current level of physical activity, or the complexity of his recent social interactions 6 months ago. None of it would have happened without ongoing therapeutic support - which has only been possible with the financial settlement.”- Former Client
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“In my world, you have been very successful in the ways most important, most lasting, most valuable. And I know that [deceased husband] feels this way as well.”- Former Client
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“His knowledge and attention to detail was stellar, making me feel secure during a difficult case. Unlike most people in life, he was always upfront with me and kept me updated every step of the way, which is truly not what I was expecting from a lawyer. Although it was determined my case could take several years, especially during a pandemic, due to his dedication it was over in only 2yrs and made the process as easy for me as possible. I would absolutely recommend this firm and use him again if I ever need to, although I hope I don't.”- Kristy N.
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“My husband passed due to medical malpractice and I didn't know what to do or who to call. All I knew was I needed to get him justice. I researched and found Erik Peterson on google and reviewed various reviews on various sites. He was very patient and fought for me and my late husband. Erik told me what to expect ahead of time so I could prepare myself mentally. All in all, I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone who may need legal assistance in personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death. They are excellent and I can't say enough good things about them.”- Kiki A.
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“Very knowledgeable, professional and honest. I needed an attorney for malpractice and from the moment we first had our meeting, he explained everything in terms I could easily understand and very thorough, was always very responsive when I had questions. The case wasn’t an easy one to settle, but Erik never lost hope and kept fighting. Any time I had to get ahold of the staff at the law firm for paperwork, they were always so understanding and very helpful and always got back to me in a timely manner. I would highly recommend Erik Peterson and his law firm. He was an excellent lawyer and truly a genuine person.”- Lila D.
Types of Medication Errors
Medication errors can have serious consequences, ranging from minor health setbacks to life-threatening situations. These errors occur when there is a lapse or mistake in the prescribing, dispensing, or administration of medication.
Types of medication errors include:
- Prescribing errors. Prescribing errors happen when a healthcare provider orders incorrect medication, dosage, or route of administration. These mistakes might result from poor handwriting on written prescriptions, incorrect dosage calculations, or incomplete knowledge of a patient’s medical history. For example, prescribing a drug to which the patient has a known allergy can lead to severe adverse reactions.
- Dispensing errors. Dispensing errors take place in pharmacies or healthcare facilities when the wrong medication is provided. These errors frequently occur due to confusion between medications with similar names or packaging. Failure to cross-check the prescription or confirm essential details can lead to the patient receiving medication that does not align with their treatment plan.
- Administration errors. Errors during administration include giving medication to the wrong patient, administering incorrect doses, or delivering it via an improper route. These issues often arise during hectic clinical settings where distractions and time pressures are common. Even a seemingly small mistake, such as doubling the intended dosage, may result in significant health consequences for the patient.
- Monitoring errors. Monitoring errors occur when patients are not appropriately observed after receiving certain medications. Medications can have side effects or interactions that require immediate attention. For example, failing to monitor a patient taking a blood thinner can result in complications like severe bleeding if their dosage or response goes unchecked.
- Documentation errors. These errors pertain to inaccurate or incomplete recording of medication-related information. Failure to correctly document the administration of medication can lead to over- or under-dosing, repetition of the therapy, or other potentially harmful incidents.
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I Discovered a Medication Error, but I Didn’t Experience Health Complications. Do I Have a Claim?
If you discovered a medication error but did not experience any health complications, you likely do not have a viable claim. A successful medication error claim generally requires evidence of harm or injury caused by the mistake. Without demonstrable harm, there is no basis for compensation, as the legal system focuses primarily on addressing damages that directly impact an individual.
Harm in these cases can take many forms. For example, taking an incorrect dosage or the wrong medication might lead to severe health complications such as organ damage, allergic reactions, or worsening of an existing medical condition. Emotional distress caused by physical harm, prolonged illness, or hospitalization may also qualify as a form of damage. These are the types of injuries that typically warrant compensation in a claim.
With that said, you should consider reaching out to a legal professional if you discover a medication error. Even if you believe you were unharmed after taking the wrong dosage or prescription, our California medication error lawyer can assess your situation and recommend the next steps. Some harm, such as internal organ damage or other health complications, may not present symptoms immediately. A medical evaluation can determine whether the error has led to underlying issues you might not yet recognize. Taking early action can protect your right to compensation and address any potential health risks.
You deserve to know why a medication error happened and whether you are entitled to compensation. Call (415) 630-2913 or contact us online today.
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