Macon County Medication Error Attorney

Lawyers for Prescription Errors and Injuries Caused by Pharmaceutical Drugs in Decatur and Champaign

There are multiple different ways patients can suffer harm due to medical negligence. Some of the most common types of medical malpractice cases involve the improper use of pharmaceutical drugs or other medications. If doctors make errors when prescribing medications, or if pharmacists do not fill prescriptions correctly, patients can be seriously injured. Victims of medication errors should consult with a personal injury attorney to learn how they can pursue financial compensation from those who were responsible for their injuries.

At Kanoski Bresney, we have over 40 years of legal experience representing clients in medical malpractice and personal injury cases, and we have recovered more than $550 million in settlements and jury verdicts. With our understanding of the legal issues involved in medication-related injuries, we can protect your rights and make sure you take the best steps to receive the financial compensation you deserve. We strive to provide our clients with respect, response, and results at all times.

Types of Medication Errors

While most medications are safe when used properly, there are some dangerous drugs that can cause harm to patients, such as opiates. Doctors should take care when prescribing these types of drugs and ensure that they will be used properly. However, even drugs that are generally considered safe can cause serious health concerns due to prescription errors or other issues. Some medication errors that can cause injuries to patients include:

• Wrong drugs - Mistakes by doctors or pharmacists could result in the wrong medication being given to a patient. For example, a pharmacist may misread a doctor's handwriting on a prescription and dispense a different drug than the doctor meant to administer to the patient. This can not only lead to a patient's condition going untreated, but a person can suffer harm due to the effects of using the wrong medication.
• Incorrect dosage - A medication that is usually safe can become dangerous if it is taken at a high dosage, or taking a drug at too low of a dose can result in ineffective treatment of a patient's condition. This can occur because of an error making or reading a prescription or because a pharmaceutical manufacturer mislabeled a drug. Patients may also be administered an incorrect dosage of a medication due to nursing errors at a hospital or emergency room.
• Allergic reactions - A patient can suffer a variety of dangerous symptoms if they are allergic to a drug. In serious cases, an allergic reaction can cause respiratory problems, low blood pressure, seizures, anemia, or inflammation of the kidneys. Doctors should be sure to review a patient's medical history before prescribing medications to avoid any potential problems related to allergies.
• Side effects - In addition to the benefits they provide, many medications can have other effects that can lead to health concerns for a patient. Doctors should balance the potential risks presented by side effects with the benefits of using a drug to make sure a medication will serve its proper function. A doctor should also make sure patients are fully aware of the potential side effects they may experience, and if necessary, additional medications may be prescribed to counter a drug's negative effects.
• Dangerous drug combinations - Many medications can have harmful effects if they are used in combination with other prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Doctors should be sure to advise patients of potentially unsafe drug interactions, and they should also inform patients about whether they can safely use substances such as alcohol or marijuana while taking a medication.

Contact Our McLean County Prescription Error Attorneys

If you have been injured after taking a medication prescribed by a medical provider, Kanoski Bresney can help you understand your legal options. We will gather evidence to determine whether errors were made by a doctor or pharmacist, and we will fight to make sure you are repaid for the harm done to you and your family. Contact our office today at 888-U-COUNT-2 or 888-826-8682 to set up your free consultation. We represent clients injured by medication errors and medical negligence in Peoria, Springfield, McDonough County, Decatur, McLean County, Rushville, Macon County, Sangamon County, Bloomington, Macomb, Tazewell County, Champaign County, Pekin, Schuyler County, Champaign, Adams County, Peoria County, Quincy, and all of Illinois.