What Is the Average Settlement for Medication Errors?

Medication Errors Explained

• Types of Medication Errors
• Compensation for Medication Error Claims
• Maximizing Compensation for Medication Errors
• Contact a Medication Attorney

Did you or someone close to you suffer adverse health outcomes due to a medication error? If so, you might be considering a medical malpractice claim and wondering how much it could be worth. 

It’s important to understand that there is no “average” settlement amount for medication error claims. Every case is unique, and the settlements vary widely based on several factors. These include the severity of the injury or health impairment, the impact on your life, and the costs of necessary medical care. An experienced lawyer can assess the full extent of the harm you suffered and fight for a compensation package that reflects your individual circumstances. 

Types of Medication Errors

Medication errors can happen in various ways and at different stages of the healthcare process. Here are some common examples:

• Wrong Medication: Sometimes, a doctor prescribes the wrong medication or a pharmacist dispenses a different drug than the one prescribed. This can happen due to similar drug names or poor handwriting.
• Incorrect Dosage: This occurs when the amount of medication prescribed or administered is too high or too low for the condition being treated. An incorrect dosage can lead to ineffective treatment or severe side effects.
• Mislabeling: Some medications might come with incorrect labels or instructions, leading to confusion about how and when to take them. This can result in a patient taking the wrong dose or using the medication at incorrect times.
• Administration Errors: These mistakes happen when a medication is given incorrectly. For example, a medication meant for oral use is given intravenously, or vice versa.
• Failing to Consider Patient History: When prescribing medications, physicians must consider patients’ medical histories, allergies, and any other medications they’re taking. Overlooking these factors can lead to harmful interactions or allergic reactions.

Compensation for Medication Error Claims

If you have suffered harm as a result of a medication error, you could file a medical malpractice claim to seek compensation for the following:

• Medical expenses for treatments related to the error
• Lost wages if you couldn’t work because of the error
• Loss of future earnings if the error affects your ability to work in the long term
• Pain and suffering from physical and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life if you cannot engage in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed

Maximizing Compensation for Medication Errors

Working with an experienced lawyer is the best way to maximize your compensation for a medication error claim. They understand the high burden of proof in these cases and use this knowledge to fight for your rights. Your lawyer will gather evidence of the medication error, talk to medical experts, and build a solid case to show how the error harmed you. They can also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, shielding you from the tactics they might use to get you to accept less than your claim is worth. With a skilled lawyer on your side, you stand a better chance of recovering a malpractice settlement that compensates you fairly.

Contact a Medication Error Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a medication error, Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys are here to help. Contact us today for a free initial consultation to discuss your case and how we can support you in seeking the compensation you deserve.