Hospital Medication Errors Kill Thousands Every Year

December 6, 2014

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has named hospital medication errors on its list of “never events.”

“ Never” does not mean never or even infrequent in the case of medication errors.

Unfortunately, never does not mean never in the case of n hospitals. This is especially true with respect to medication errors. In case of medication errors, it doesn’t even mean infrequent.

Over 1 Million Patients Harmed Each Year in Hospitals by Medication Errors.

In fact, it is estimated that over 1 million patients are harmed each year as a result of medication errors. Some estimates suggest error rates at 1 for every 3 patient days. The end result is that over 5% of patients will be harmed by medication errors while in the hospital.

This is hardly the outcome that a patient and family expect. It is far from acceptable and most would agree that it is outrageous. More needs to be done to prevent these errors.

Do not rely entirely on medical providers. Ask questions, second guess and maintain constant vigilance to protect yourself or your loved one from unnecessary harm.

Sadly, it is clear that patients and families cannot rely on their medical providers to protect them. Instead, the patient or the family and loved ones in case the patient is incapacitated, must be alert to the possibility of medication errors. This means constant vigilance in monitoring the medication given to your or your loved one during your hospital stay.

It is obviously very uncomfortable second guessing your medical providers constantly. However, to get over this reluctance, it may be worth knowing that as many as 400,000 patients die each year from preventable medical errors in hospitals. So a little or a lot of second guessing is not only called for but perhaps critical to your survival of a hospital stay.

The clock is ticking, seek legal guidance immediately.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious personal injury or wrongful death as a result of a medication error, contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney right away. There are unique rules and deadlines associated with medical malpractice claims. Missing one will bar your claims completely.

The Albuquerque personal injury attorneys at Collins & Collins, P.C. have significant experience with medical malpractice claims. We can be reached at (505) 242-5958.

If you or a loved one has been harmed or killed as a result a medication error in a hospital, it is important to seek legal guidance right away due to the unique rules and deadlines related to medical malpractice claims. The Albuquerque personal injury attorneys at Collins & Collins, P.C. have extensive experience with medical malpractice claims. We can be reached at (505) 242-5958.

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