Barkhordar Law Group is dedicated to advocating for justice and upholding the rights of individuals who have suffered from pharmacy malpractice in Calabasas and surrounding areas.
Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers works diligently to provide a tailored approach, ensuring our clients are well informed and supported through this complex legal process. We are committed to seeking the best possible outcome for each case and strive to provide compassionate care and unparalleled legal representation to our clients.
Understanding Pharmacy Malpractice and Your Rights as a Patient
Pharmacists play a crucial role in our healthcare system by ensuring patients receive the proper medications to manage their medical conditions. However, pharmacists can make mistakes that significantly impact patients like any profession.
Pharmacy malpractice can take many forms, including:
- Dispensing the wrong medication
- Miscalculating a patient’s dosage
- Failing to identify potential drug interactions that can harm patients.
These errors can have disastrous consequences for patients, potentially resulting in severe injury or even death.
You may be entitled to compensation if you have suffered illness or injury due to a pharmacy mistake. Our experienced personal injury attorneys at Barkhordar Law Group in Calabasas are here to help you determine whether you have a valid case.
Common Causes of Pharmacy Errors in Calabasas
Pharmacy errors can occur due to various factors inherent in the healthcare profession:
Fatigue
Healthcare providers often work long hours, leading to pharmacist fatigue. This can result in dosage miscalculations and incorrect medication dispensing, compromising patient safety.
Distractions
The pharmacy environment can be busy and distracting, with phone calls, conversations, and other interruptions. These distractions can divert a pharmacist’s attention, increasing the likelihood of errors.
Inadequate Protocols
Pharmacies should have strict protocols to minimize the risk of errors when prescribing medications. Mistakes become more probable when these protocols are inadequate or overlooked, with severe consequences for patients.
Mislabeling and Medication Errors
Sometimes, drugs have incorrect labels, making it easy for pharmacists to dispense the wrong medication to patients. Mislabeled drugs can cause severe harm and even death.
If you or anyone you know has suffered due to mistakes made by pharmacists or their employers in Calabasas, you can seek legal guidance from Barkhordar Law Group. Our experienced team has a proven track record of holding pharmacy professionals accountable for their errors. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and help you determine the legal action you can take.
The Risks of Pharmacy Mistakes and Medication Errors
Pharmacists are responsible for ensuring that their patients’ medication is safe and effective. However, mistakes can and do happen, which can have severe consequences.
Here’s a more detailed explanation of the risks associated with medication errors:
Organ Damage
When patients take the wrong medication or amount, it can cause severe damage to their organs, which can have long-term effects on their health. For example, taking too much acetaminophen (a common pain reliever) can lead to liver damage.
Internal Bleeding
Medication errors can cause internal bleeding, a severe condition that requires immediate medical attention. Sometimes, the patient may not even realize what is happening. For example, taking too much aspirin (a blood thinner) can cause internal bleeding.
Allergic Reactions
Patients can experience severe allergic reactions because of incorrect medications or drug interactions. These reactions can be life-threatening and require swift medical intervention. For example, some people are allergic to penicillin and can experience anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) if they are given this medication.
Cardiac Episodes
Taking the wrong medication can lead to heart attacks, which are dangerous and can have long-lasting health consequences. For example, some medications can cause the heart to beat too fast or too slow, leading to a heart attack.
Seizures
Patients may sometimes experience seizures when medications are administered incorrectly. This can be dangerous and require expensive medical treatment. For example, some medications can lower a person’s seizure threshold, making them more susceptible to seizures.
Paralysis
In the most severe cases, medication errors can result in paralysis, which can have life-altering consequences for the patient and their family. For example, some medications used to treat cancer can cause nerve damage, leading to paralysis.
Blood Clots
Taking the wrong medication can cause blood clots, leading to strokes and organ damage. For example, some medications can increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to a stroke.
Strokes and Death
The most severe consequence of pharmacy errors is the loss of life. Mistakes in the healthcare system can result in the death of patients. For example, administering the wrong medication or an incorrect dose can lead to a fatal outcome.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a pharmacy mistake, it’s essential to seek help from a pharmacy malpractice lawyer immediately. They can help you understand your legal rights and options and guide you through seeking compensation for your injuries or losses.
Compensation in Pharmacy Malpractice Cases
The amount of compensation available to individuals who have suffered due to pharmacy malpractice can vary significantly based on the specific circumstances of each case. In general, most plaintiffs may seek compensation for the following economic damages:
- Medical Treatment Expenses: One of the primary economic damages in pharmacy malpractice cases is the cost of medical treatment. Patients often require extensive healthcare to address the consequences of medication errors.
- Costs of Physical and Occupational Therapy: Many patients must undergo physical and occupational therapy to recover from the harm caused by pharmacy errors. These therapy costs can be substantial.
- Lost Wages: When patients suffer from pharmacy malpractice, they often need to take time off work to recover or attend medical appointments. Lost wages can quickly add up, further compounding the financial burden.
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity: In severe cases, patients may experience a long-term or permanent loss of future earning capacity. This economic damage considers the income patients would have earned if not for the pharmacy error.
In addition to economic damages, victims can pursue compensation for non-economic damages, which can include:
- Pain and Suffering: Patients who endure pain and suffering due to pharmacy errors can seek compensation for these non-economic damages. It aims to address the emotional and physical distress caused by the mistake.
- Mental Anguish: The psychological impact of pharmacy errors can be severe. Mental anguish compensation recognizes the emotional trauma patients experience.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Pharmacy malpractice can limit a patient’s ability to enjoy life as before the mistake. Compensation may be sought for the loss of enjoyment of life.
It’s important to note that California’s Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICA) may impose limitations on non-economic damages in pharmacy malpractice cases. However, Barkhordar Law Group’s experienced pharmacy malpractice attorneys have been dedicated to helping Calabasas residents seek damages from negligent medical professionals for many years.
If you’re seeking legal representation, don’t hesitate to contact our team to arrange a free consultation and explore your options.
Pharmacy Malpractice in Calabasas: What You Need to Know
What is pharmacy malpractice, and how is it different from medical malpractice?
Pharmacy malpractice is when a pharmacist makes a mistake or is negligent, causing harm to a patient. Medical malpractice is when a healthcare professional makes a mistake or is negligent in treating a patient.
How common are pharmacy errors and malpractice cases in Calabasas?
Pharmacy errors and malpractice cases can happen anywhere, including Calabasas. They are not rare.
What should I do if I think I’m a victim of pharmacy malpractice?
Seek medical attention, keep your treatment records, and consult a medical malpractice attorney in Calabasas.
What compensation can I receive in a pharmacy malpractice case?
You can receive monetary compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How can I prove pharmacy malpractice?
You must show that the pharmacist acted below the accepted standard of care and that this caused harm. You need evidence such as medical records and expert testimony.
What should I look for in a pharmacy or medical malpractice attorney?
Choose an attorney with experience in pharmacy malpractice cases, a proven track record, and a free consultation.
Is there a time limit for filing a pharmacy malpractice lawsuit?
Yes, there is a time limit. Consult with a medical malpractice attorney promptly to avoid missing any deadlines.
How much does hiring a pharmacy or medical malpractice attorney cost?
Many attorneys offer a free initial consultation and work on a contingency fee basis.
How long does it take to resolve a medical malpractice case?
It varies depending on the case’s complexity, but some cases settle quickly, while others can take months or years.