Tulsa Medication Error Attorneys

Medication Mistakes in Oklahoma

Medication errors are alarmingly common in the United States—over 100,000 alleged medication errors are reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) every year, and more than 7 million people are affected by medication mistakes annually in the U.S., according to the Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives (2016).

While some medication errors are relatively harmless, others lead to devastating consequences for patients and their families. If you or your loved one was harmed by a medication mistake, you could have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit against the liable party. At Brewster & De Angelis, our medication error attorneys in Tulsa have extensive experience representing clients throughout Oklahoma in complex cases. Since 1983, we have successfully held hospitals, pharmacies, doctors, nurses, and other medical providers accountable when their negligence causes serious injury and death. Our team is ready to fight for you and your family.

To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our team, call (918) 742-2021 or contact us online using our secure submission form. 

Examples of Common Medication Errors

Medication errors can occur anytime a patient receives or is prescribed medication by a medical provider. Understanding these errors can help you identify potential claims.

Examples of common medication errors include:

• Overdose, underdose, and other dosage errors
• Dispensing or prescribing the wrong medication
• Administering medication to the wrong patient
• Failing to consider drug interactions
• Failing to properly respond to adverse drug reactions
• Labeling a medication incorrectly or unclearly
• Dispensing medication to a patient who is allergic to the drug
• Administering or prescribing a medication for an untested/off-label use
• Failing to provide adequate instructions to a patient
• Failing to warn patients of possible side effects
• Administering a medication by incorrect means (orally, intravenously, etc.)
• Administering medication at the wrong frequency or for the wrong duration

Because many medications have powerful effects, these types of mistakes can lead to significant complications, catastrophic injuries, and, in the worst cases, death. It’s crucial for patients and their families to stay informed about medications, question any discrepancies they observe, and report side effects or adverse reactions immediately to medical professionals. This vigilance can help prevent severe outcomes.

How Do Medication Mistakes Happen?

Medication errors should never happen, yet they commonly occur when medical providers are careless, negligent, or fail to uphold the accepted standard of care. These mistakes often stem from systemic issues within the healthcare setting, where high patient loads and understaffing increase the risk of human error. Improving communication and implementing safety protocols are essential to reducing such occurrences.

Some of the most common causes of medication errors include:

• Diagnostic errors, including misdiagnosis, leading to the incorrect drug being prescribed or administered
• Failing to consider a patient’s medical history, including their history of adverse drug reactions or medication allergies
• Lack of communication or poor communication between medical providers, including prescribing doctors and pharmacies
• Illegible handwriting on prescriptions, misunderstanding abbreviations, and other problems with prescriptions/drug labels
• Miscalculating the appropriate medication dose based on various factors, including the patient’s weight for weight-based medications
• Inexperienced, overconfident, or poorly trained medical providers, leading to various types of medication mistakes
• Failing to discontinue or modify medication, often as a result of poor or nonexistent follow-up care or aftercare

If you believe you or your loved one was the victim of a medication error, there is a significant chance that medical malpractice or negligence is to blame. Reach out to our Tulsa medication error attorneys at Brewster & De Angelis to learn more about your legal rights and options. Our team can guide you through the process, explaining each step from gathering evidence to filing a claim, while providing the support needed in such a challenging time.

Who Is Liable for a Medication Error?

The person or party legally responsible for a medication error depends on several factors, including the type of error, the circumstances surrounding it, and the individual medical professional’s employment status. For example, if your loved one received anesthesia in the hospital despite being allergic, leading to serious injury or death, you could have a claim against the anesthesiologist or doctor who failed to obtain your loved one’s medical history. You could also have a claim against the hospital itself if the responsible party was a hospital employee.

At Brewster & De Angelis, we know how to properly investigate claims to determine who is liable for our clients’ damages. We work with expert witnesses who provide powerful testimony regarding the standard of care, how the standard of care was breached, and what caused your injuries or your loved one’s death. Our collaborative and aggressive approach to litigation, coupled with our decades of trial experience, makes us a formidable ally for our clients, both in and out of the courtroom. We prioritize thorough investigations to uncover all liable parties, including indirect contributors such as pharmaceutical companies in cases involving defective drugs.

Why Choose Brewster & De Angelis for Your Legal Needs?

When it comes to navigating the complexities of the legal system, having the right team by your side can make all the difference. Brewster & De Angelis stands out as a premier law firm in Tulsa, OK, dedicated to providing personalized and effective legal solutions. Here’s why you should consider us for your legal representation:

• Experienced Attorneys: Our team consists of seasoned legal professionals with extensive experience in various fields of law, ensuring you receive knowledgeable guidance tailored to your specific situation.
• Client-Centric Approach: We prioritize our clients’ needs and concerns, taking the time to understand your unique circumstances and goals. Our commitment to open communication means you’ll always be informed and involved in your case.
• Proven Track Record: With numerous successful outcomes in a wide range of cases, our firm has built a reputation for excellence and reliability. We strive for the best possible results for our clients.
• Comprehensive Legal Services: From personal injury to family law, our firm offers a broad spectrum of legal services, making us a one-stop solution for all your legal needs.

Choosing the right law firm is crucial for achieving your desired outcomes. At Brewster & De Angelis, we are dedicated to standing by you through every step of the legal process, ensuring you receive the support and representation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you navigate your legal challenges with confidence. Our local knowledge and focus on collaborative preparation set us apart as a firm devoted to client success in Tulsa.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Medication Error?

If you suspect a medication error, prioritize medical attention immediately and retain all medical records and prescriptions that can serve as evidence. Document everything, including symptoms experienced, conversations with medical staff, and any changes in your diagnosis or treatment. It’s also advisable to contact a medication error attorney in Tulsa promptly to discuss your situation and understand your legal options.

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win Your Case

We offer our personal injury and medical malpractice services on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not owe any out-of-pocket expenses when you work with our firm; instead, we collect attorney fees via a percentage of your total recovery. If we do not recover a settlement or verdict for you, you do not pay.

It is important that you act quickly if you believe you are the victim of a preventable medical error. In Oklahoma, you only have two years to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to sue the liable party for damages. Our Tulsa medication mistake lawyers are ready to take your call, listen to your story, and share how we can help you fight for the justice you and your family deserve. Procrastination can be costly, so reaching out sooner ensures we start building your case promptly to maximize its potential.

Give us a call at (918) 742-2021 or reach us online for a free case evaluation.