Albuquerque Prescription Errors Lawyer

Albuquerque Prescription Errors Attorney

Dealing with any kind of injury can be devastating, but when it’s at the hands of someone who has pledged to do no harm, it’s even worse. Medication errors happen every day in hospitals, doctors’ offices, pharmacies, and skilled nursing facilities. They can lead to injuries or even death. When you’ve been hurt by medication mishaps, you need an Albuquerque prescription errors lawyer who understands the law and how to file a claim on your behalf.

Hire a Prescription Errors Lawyer

At the Sutten Law Group, we have over 25 years of experience as Albuquerque personal injury lawyers. We’ve handled complex injury cases, including prescription errors. Our former clients recommend us, saying we’re responsive and understanding. We want justice for you or a loved one facing a complicated injury like a medication error. At your free consultation, we can discuss your case and develop a plan to get the compensation you deserve.

Prescription Errors in the US

According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine in 2024, medication errors are the most preventable and common reason for patient injury in the United States. Of all hospital admissions, 6.5 out of 100 experience a medication error. They lead to 44,000 to 98,000 deaths per year. The cost of these mistakes nationally is around $177 billion a year.

Prescription Error Laws in New Mexico

Within the New Mexico Administrative Code, the state has set detailed safeguards for its citizens regarding medications and prescription procedures. Under NMAC 16.12.5, medical personnel should be trained in the proper administration of any prescription drug. The professionals’ role and the disciplinary action that takes place after any wrongdoing are also highlighted in this law. Every medical professional must adhere to these standards.

The NMAC 16.19.4 addresses pharmacists and their role in dispensing prescription medications, whether it’s within a commercial pharmacy or within a hospital or other medical facility. The pharmacy professionals are required to keep detailed records about the medications, dosage, and who is receiving them. This statute also highlights that it’s the pharmacist’s duty to review the patient’s records for drug allergies, past interactions, and correct dosage and duration.

Five Rights to Medication Administration

Patients within a health care system are entitled to the five rights when receiving medications. This concept is taught to medical professionals across the country:

• Right patient. This is done when they check your wristband ID and ask for your name before getting any medications.
• Right drug. Making sure the drug name matches the drug prescribed.
• Right dose. Checking that the dosage is correct.
• Right route. Some medications are delivered in different forms. The person administering the medicine needs to confirm whether it’s a drug that is given through an IV, by mouth, or some other way.
• Right time. The frequency of the dosage needs to be tracked and given at the correct time. This also includes whether the medication needs to be taken with food.

These five rights can be mishandled at any point during the administration of a prescription medication. An Albuquerque prescription errors attorney can determine where and when in this process your error occurred.

Common Prescription Errors

Many professionals can be involved with your medications, especially if you’ve been admitted to the hospital. Here are some common prescription errors that can happen:

• Causing drug interactions when your allergies or the current medication list weren’t reviewed.
• Doses are being skipped or delivered improperly.
• Doctors are prescribing the wrong medication or the incorrect dosage.
• Failing to monitor the efficacy and safety of a medication.

Steps to Take in Prescription Errors

There are a few things you can do if you’ve received the wrong medication. It may cause an immediate reaction. Try to stay calm and follow these steps:

• Seek medical attention immediately, especially if your throat starts to close, it becomes hard to breathe, or you have chest pains. Some medication interactions can cause swelling, hives, or even unconsciousness.
• Stop taking the medication.
• Document everything that’s happening, if you can. Have someone take notes or video about the incident if you are unable to.
• Write down the medication name and dosage. Take a picture of the bottle or vial if it’s available to you.
• If you’re in the hospital when the error occurred, note the medical professional’s name and the time of day.
• Hire a prescription error lawyer to investigate, gather information, and advocate for you and your claim.

FAQs

Albuquerque Prescription Errors Lawyer

The Sutten Law Group has over two decades of experience in getting compensation for personal injury claims in New Mexico. We offer support from the beginning to the end of your case. Whether it’s through negotiations or in front of a judge, we can act as your advocate to get the results you deserve. To move past your prescription error case into a brighter future, contact us today for a free consultation.