Examples Of Types Of Medication Errors

In this guide, we are going to take a look at some of the types of medication errors that might form the basis of a potential compensation claim. This guide applies to both claims against NHS facilities and private healthcare providers. In short, if you have been harmed by a medication error that was the result of clinical negligence, this guide may help.

A medication error could occur at a number of different points in the treatment process. For example, your doctor might prescribe you the wrong medication. Alternatively, you might receive expired medication from a pharmacy, which means it’s ineffective.

Types of medication errors compensation claims

Types of medication errors compensation claims guide

We may not address every single one of your questions on this page. As each claim is unique in some way and we can only cover the basics. However, to get the answers that you need, you can:

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Select A Section:

Common Types Of Medication Errors
What Are Harmful Drug Interactions?
Reporting Medication Errors
How To Claim For Types Of Medication Errors?
Calculating Compensation For Common Types Of Medication Errors
Discuss Your No Win No Fee Medical Negligence Claim With Us

Common Types Of Medication Errors

All medical professionals owe their patients a duty of care. This duty of care means that they should provide a minimum standard of care, and should avoid causing patients unnecessary harm. Any deviation from this standard is classed as medical negligence.

A breach of duty of care could take the form of a medication error. Some examples of potential compensation errors include:

Dispensing errors – These occur when the medication is being dispensed. For example, the pharmacist might take the wrong medication from the shelf in error.
Being given the wrong dose – You may be prescribed a dose of medication that is too high or too low for the purposes you’re taking it.
An administrative error – A mistake might be made when packaging the medication.
Prescription errors – These might occur because the doctor prescribes the wrong medication because of a lapse of judgement or failure in memory.

These are not the only types of medication errors caused by medical negligence that can result in harm. If you’ve been injured or your condition has worsened because of a breach of duty of care by your healthcare provider, get in touch with us today to see if you could claim.

What Are Harmful Drug Interactions?

Some types of medication errors can lead to an adverse drug reaction (ADR). A basic definition of an ADR is a harmful or unwanted reaction that is known or suspected to be due to the administration of a drug or drugs.

ADRs can be split into two categories:

Type A reactions are an exaggeration of the drug’s usual actions when given at the correct dose; this means they’re reversible by reducing the dose or withdrawing treatment with the drug altogether.
Type B reactions cannot be predicted based on what is known about the drug.

ADRs can have severe impacts on the health of patients. In some cases, they can be fatal. For more information on claiming for harm caused by a negligent drug error, speak with one of our advisors today.

Reporting Medication Errors

Depending on the types of medication errors encountered, the process for reporting a patient safety incident can differ. If you have been harmed by negligence at an NHS healthcare facility, there is a well-defined process for making a complaint. If you’re unhappy with the resolution, then you could go on to complain to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. They cannot award you compensation; this can only come from the NHS.

Additionally, the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) runs the Yellow Card reporting scheme. This scheme is specifically focused on the reporting of possible side effects from medication, medical devices, and vaccines.

How To Claim For Types Of Medication Errors?

Some types of medication errors can result in significant harm, that could become the basis of a clinical negligence claim. Below, we have outlined a few steps you might take to prove your claim:

Get medical help. This will make sure that your injury illness is officially recorded; this medical record could be used to support your claim.
Report your concerns to the healthcare facility in question.
Get the details of any witnesses who saw what happened; they could provide a statement in support of your claim.
Begin keeping records of any monetary losses caused by your medical condition. For example, receipts, bills, invoices, travel tickets, etc.
Reach out to our team of expert advisors to learn about starting a claim for clinical negligence.

While it’s not required to have a solicitor work on your claim, legal representation can be very valuable. The support and guidance of a solicitor could help you get the compensation you’re entitled to. To see whether you could be connected with a solicitor from our panel, speak with a member of our team today.

Calculating Compensation For Common Types Of Medication Errors

Some types of medication errors could form the basis of a valid compensation claim. However, due to the fact that your claim will be unique, we can’t give you an average figure for the compensation you might receive.

The part of your compensation that relates to the pain and suffering caused by your injuries is called general damages. We have illustrated this head of claim in the example table below.

It shows possible compensation ranges for different medical conditions that could be caused by a medication error. This table is based on the guidelines produced by the Judicial College. These are the guidelines used by legal professionals to help value claims.

Edit
Health Problem	Information	Compensation
Non-traumatic injury to the digestive system (i)	Toxicosis causing fever, sickness, diarrhoea and pain resulting in a stay in hospital, potentially for several weeks.	£36,060 to £49,270
Non-traumatic injury to the digestive system (ii)	Serious illness that is short-lived, diminishing over two to four weeks.	£8,950 to £18,020
Non-traumatic injury to the digestive system (iii)	Significant discomfort. Symptoms persist for a few weeks but a full recovery within 1-2 years.	£3,710 to £8,950
Non-traumatic injury to the digestive system (iv)	A varying level of symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps or disabling pain. The symptoms could last weeks.	£860 to £3,710
Kidney damage (a)	Damage to or loss of both kidneys that is permanent and serious.	£158,970 to £197,480
Kidney damage (b)	Cases where urinary tract infections in the future or other forms of loss of function of the kidneys is a significant risk.	up to £60,050
Death (full awareness)	Full awareness of injuries before a period of varying levels of consciousness for up to five weeks. Death would follow within 2 weeks to 3 months.	£11,770 to £22,350
Pain disorders (i)	Severe symptoms that will, even with treatment, persist. No ability to work and may require care.	£39,530 to £59,110
Mental anguish	Knowledge of a reduced life expectancy, or fear of impending death.	Up to £4,380
Spleen	Loss of spleen causing a continuing risk of internal infection	£19,510 to £24,680

Special damages are the second potential head of your claim and relate to financial losses caused by your injuries, either past or predicted. You will need to provide proof of any losses you intend to claim back.

Below, are some examples of costs that can be included in special damages.

Care costs.
Private medical fees.
Loss of earnings.
Lowered future earning potential.

You can call and speak to one of our claim advisors if you would like to find out what types of damages you could be able to claim.

Discuss Your No Win No Fee Medical Negligence Claim With Us

Some types of medication errors can become the basis of a compensation claim for clinical negligence. We may be able to connect you with a lawyer who can offer you a No Win No Fee agreement.

This would mean you don’t pay any upfront or ongoing fees to your lawyer. Also, if the claim is lost, your solicitor won’t receive a fee.

However, if the claim is won, you will pay a legally limited, pre-agreed success fee to your lawyer. The legal cap that applies to this success fee means you’re guaranteed the majority of your compensation.

If you have further questions, about the types of medication errors you can claim for, get in touch. If you have any other questions about medical negligence claims, such as the time limit that applies, they can also help with these. Use the information below to get in touch: