Pharmacy Errors

Traveling to the local drug store to pick up a prescription seems like a perfectly safe thing to do, but the fact is that pharmacy errors are actually the cause of serious injury to many thousands of individuals each year. It is important to realize that large chain pharmacies that are on virtually every corner fill millions of prescriptions on an annual basis. When errors occur, the consequences can be severe and can include poisoning, overdose and even death.

Los Angeles medical malpractice attorneys at Ellis Law can help

At Ellis Law, we understand the breach of trust that occurs when the wrong medication is dispensed and real harm results, and we stand ready to hold responsible parties accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Recent years have seen a startling increase in the number of individuals treated in U.S. hospitals for issues related to medication errors. Well over a million people suffer injuries as a result of mistakes with medications yearly, many of whom have been given dangerously incorrect doses or even the wrong drugs altogether. If you are among those who have been victimized by a pharmacy error of this type, the assistance of a Los Angeles medical malpractice lawyer at Ellis Law can prove invaluable.
Allowing our team of skilled personal injury attorneys to represent you can make all the difference as you navigate what is certainly a confusing, overwhelming time. We offer more than two decades of experience fighting for justice on behalf of clients in Los Angeles and throughout California who were injured as a result of medical mistakes, including pharmacy malpractice.

Common types of pharmacy errors

Given the precision and care that is required in the preparation of prescription drugs for consumers, it should come as no surprise that there are numerous types of errors that can occur and cause serious harm.

Some of the most common mistakes that take place in pharmacy settings include:

• Patient receives someone else’s presrciption
• Patient is given a medication that is similar in name to the one actually prescribed for them
• Pharmacist misread the handwriting of the prescribing physician
• Incorrect dosage is dispensed
• Medication has been improperly compounded at the pharmacy
• Correct medication was given, but faulty instructions were provided

With over 20 years of successfully handling personal injury litigation and a talented team of medical experts, pharmacy consultants and case investigators, our lawyers are well-equipped to discover the facts about your medication-related injury and pursue justice and financial recovery on your behalf.

Possible reasons for pharmacy errors and medication mistakes

The rise in pharmacy errors in recent years has been well-documented, and experts have cited reasons such as an increased reliance in large chain stores on pharmacy technicians, who possess a lesser degree of training than pharmacists.

Other causes of dangerous pharmacy errors include:

• Insufficient training
• Overworked staff
• Negligent supervision of pharmacy technicians
• Failed communication between physicians and pharmacy staffers
• Over-reliance on automated systems

None of the above factors are acceptable justification for the alarming growth in injuries resulting from pharmacy errors, and we at Ellis Law are dedicated not only to ensuring that you receive fair compensation for the harm you have suffered, but also to preventing similar incidents from happening to others.

Liability in pharmacy error lawsuits

A medical malpractice lawsuit relating to allegations of pharmacy error will always revolve around the traditional elements required to establish negligence. Pharmacists are highly-trained professionals and are consequently held to a high standard of care when it comes to filling prescriptions for consumers.

To prevail in an action of this type, it is necessary to show that:

• The pharmacist had a duty of care to the plaintiff
• The duty was breached
• The breach itself was the cause of the harm sustained

After these elements are successfully demonstrated, the question of damages will arise. Determining the true amount of harm sustained can be a difficult task in personal injury cases of this type. However, the attorneys at Ellis Law are associated with an unrivaled network of medical consultants, researchers, economic loss experts and support staff able to document the harm you have sustained and build a persuasive case for comprehensive financial recovery.

Potential compensation in pharmacy error cases

When the unexpected happens, and you find yourself having to cope with serious injuries as a result of a pharmacy error, you may feel helpless and alone. However, take comfort in the fact that the law provides an avenue for recourse, and you do have the legal right to seek compensation.

Financial recovery in such cases may take the form of:

• Present and future medical bills
• Compensation for pain and suffering
• Physical impairment
• Lost wages
• Loss of future income

California has imposed a statutory $250,000 cap on non-economic damages such as awards made for pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment and similar harms. However, there is no such limitation on recovery for economic, or actual damages sustained, including compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation costs and lost wages.
Anyone who has been harmed by a medication error should give serious consideration to consulting with a knowledgeable LA medical malpractice lawyer at Ellis Law who can carefully assess the facts and offer honest insights on all available legal options.

Los Angeles medical malpractice lawyers with a history of success

Since its inception over 20 years ago, Ellis Law has developed a reputation as one of the most successful personal injury firms in Los Angeles, and for good reason. We pledge to provide each and every client a level of individualized service that is second to none. Our goal is to give clients the tools necessary to make informed decisions at every stage of their legal journey and help them secure the most positive outcome possible.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of a harmful pharmacy error, we invite you to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation by calling 310-641-3335. We urge you to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about your rights to seek fair compensation for your injuries.