Medical Negligence

Drug or Prescription Error Claims

Have you ever been:

  • Prescribed the wrong drug
  • Given the wrong drug from the pharmacist?
  • Prescribed long term medication without adequate review

I was prescribed wrong medication

It’s never deliberate, but it happens. Either a Doctor can get it wrong or the pharmacist misreads or misunderstands the prescription. Usually, this doesn’t cause a problem, particularly if it’s spotted straight away.

That’s not always the case though, and the consequences of getting it wrong can be very unpleasant.

Some drugs, like morphine or diazepam, are only intended for short term use. As more drugs and treatments become available it is important that long-term medication is reviewed.

If a different drug or alternative treatment is more appropriate this should be offered and discussed with you. Whilst there may be good reasons for continuing a particular course of treatment this should be explained and agreed with you.

Do I have a claim after being prescribed the wrong medication?

It is important to seek legal advice from one of our team straight away. We will then advise you fully and guide you through the drug or prescription claim process if we believe you have reasonable prospects of bringing a successful medical negligence claim.

What can Ringrose Law do to help with your drug or prescription claim?

A legal claim can be brought against anyone that has treated you and it has caused you harm.

It must be brought to court within three years (in rare cases you can exceed this) of the date you first knew, or could reasonably have been expected to know, that you had suffered a significant injury caused by someone else’s negligent acts or omissions.

In the case of a child the three years runs from their 18th birthday.

What are some examples of prescription errors?

Here are some examples of drug or prescription claims we have advised clients on:-

  • Clear cases of pharmacy dispensing errors
  • Incorrect prescriptions
  • Prescribing too much medication
  • Failing to monitor long-term medication
  • Insufficient information on drugs trials
  • Failure to provide adequate information about the risks associated with taking a particular drug/medication;

How much compensation can you get from being prescribed the wrong medicine?

Each case is unique. The type of drug that has wrongly been prescribed and the impact that can have on you.

Because of this, it is hard to provide estimates on how much you could be rewarded without knowing the details.

However, the case study below shows how much one client was awarded by being incorrectly prescribed for over 7 years.

Case Study:

Patient F was prescribed diazepam for anxiety and depression. Diazepam is intended for short term use only but was continued to be prescribed for over 7 years.  No alternative medication or therapy was offered.

They continued to suffer from anxiety and depression and also became addicted to diazepam. After meeting a solicitor from Ringrose Law, they changed GP, began to reduce the medication and received counselling. They were awarded £25,000.

Free Consultation

Make your appointment with Ringrose Law today.0333 3580 393Get Started

What are my next steps if I think I have a claim?

Free consultations are available from Ringrose Law. During this consultation, our medical negligence lawyers will hear your story.

Based on the information you provide, we will be able to tell you if we think you have a claim. If you so, our lawyers will tell you what your options are and how to proceed with a claim if you want to.

Making an appointment for your free consultation is easy. Simply contact us either by phone, live chat or by completing our website form. A member of our team will then arrange your appointment.

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    John KnightSenior Director & Solicitor
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    01522 561020
    Richard Teare
    Richard TeareDirector & Solicitor, Personal Injury & Medical Negligence
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    01522 561052
    Brenda GilliganSenior Associate Solicitor, Personal Injury & Medical Negligence
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    01522 561046
    KAREN CAWOOD
    Karen Cawood Senior Associate Solicitor
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    01636 594467
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