Medication Errors

Why Choose Walner Law for Your Chicago Medication Error Case?

When dealing with a medication error, choosing the right legal representation is critical. At Walner Law, we offer more than just legal experience—we provide heartfelt support and personalized care to every client.

Since 1961, our firm has proudly served Chicago residents, dedicating ourselves to achieving justice for injury victims. With a proven history of securing substantial settlements, including multimillion-dollar victories, Walner Law has the resources and experience needed to tackle even the most complex cases.

Here’s why so many injured Chicagoans trust us with their personal injury claims:

• Deep Local Roots: With decades of service across Chicago neighborhoods, we understand the unique needs of our community.
• Compassionate Approach: We treat every client like family, offering moral support throughout this challenging process.
• Skillful Advocacy: We’re ready to outmaneuver even the largest medical institutions or insurance companies to protect your rights.

No matter how complicated your case may seem, Walner Law can help you move closer to justice. Contact our Chicago medical malpractice lawyers today to discuss your case during a free consultation.

What Is a Medication Error?

A medication error occurs when healthcare professionals fail to prescribe, administer, or monitor a drug correctly, resulting in harm to the patient. These mistakes are often preventable but can have tragic outcomes, especially when they involve strong doses, allergies, or life-sustaining treatments.

Medication errors can disrupt lives in an instant, leading to complications such as severe allergic reactions, organ damage, or even death. For victims, the road ahead can feel overwhelming, but understanding these errors is an important step toward seeking accountability.

How Do Medication Errors Happen?

Several factors can lead to medication errors in the healthcare system. Here are some common causes:

• Miscommunication: A doctor writes a prescription misread by a pharmacist or overwritten by another healthcare professional.
• Negligence: Medical staff may administer the wrong medication or dosage due to momentary inattention.
• Insufficient Patient Review: A failure to check a patient’s history of allergies, interactions, or existing medications can result in harmful combinations.
• Confusing Labels: Poorly labeled medications or illegible prescriptions create opportunities for dangerous mix-ups.

Patients trust their medical providers to act carefully and responsibly, but these preventable mistakes can leave them vulnerable.

Types of Medication Errors

A medicationerror can be caused by a number of factors. The most common medication error occurs when a patient is issued a higher dosage than they should have.

Other reasons for pharmaceutical mistakes include:

• Sloppy writing: If your prescription is written so sloppily that it is confused with another medication, or if the name is similar to the name of another drug but is not 100% readable, this can lead to a medication error.
• Diagnostic errors: A late diagnosis or misdiagnosis will result in failure to use an indicated diagnostic test and misinterpretation of test results, which can lead to the wrong medication being prescribed. Such medical mistakes caused by your healthcare provider can greatly impact your standard of care.
• Misinterpretation of other medical orders: Failing to follow specific patient orders, such as giving you a medication that you are allergic to, can cause severe injury.
• Blood transfusion errors: If you are given a blood transfusion of the incorrect blood type, this can have fatal consequences.
• Equipment failure: Faulty intravenous pumps and defective drip bag clamps can increase the dosage of a certain medication and lead to serious injury.

Medication errors often have severe consequences and can result in catastrophic injury and wrongful death. You could end up with an illness that should have been prevented.

Who May Be Held Liable in a Chicago Medication Error Case?

Determining liability in a medication error case can be complex. However, responsibility often lies with one or more of the following parties, depending on the circumstances of the error.

• Prescribing Physicians: If the prescribing medical professional fails to consider allergies, drug interactions, or the patient’s medical history, they may be held responsible.
• Pharmacists: Mistakes in labeling, dispensing, or filling prescriptions can lead to liability for pharmacies or individual pharmacists.
• Nurses or Medical Staff: Errors during the administration process, such as giving the wrong dose, fall under the responsibilities of hospital staff.
• Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes may be liable if their policies, understaffing, or training deficiencies contributed to the error.
• Drug Manufacturers: If poor labeling or defective packaging led to the incident, the drug manufacturer could be held accountable.

Ultimately, holding the right party accountable strengthens your claim and ensures that the right systems are corrected to prevent more errors.

Do I Have an Illinois Medical Malpractice Claim?

Not every harmful medication incident qualifies for a legal claim, but many do. To determine whether you have a successful medical malpractice claim, several factors must be assessed.

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Did the Error Cause Harm? A key component of any medical malpractice case is demonstrating that the mistake led directly to injury or worsening health conditions.
2. Was Medical Negligence Present? If the injury resulted from carelessness, miscommunication, or violations of medical standards, you may have a case.
3. Was Duty of Care Breached? It must be shown that the responsible party failed to meet the standard of care expected in their professional role.

If you’re unsure about the strength of your claim, don’t hesitate to reach out to Walner Law. Our Chicago medication error lawyer will evaluate your case during a free consultation and explain your legal options with compassion and clarity.

Compensation Available to Medical Malpractice Victims in Chicago

Victims of medication errors often incur significant physical, emotional, and financial hardships. The compensation you may be eligible for includes but is not limited to the following damages:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for medical bills, including hospital stays, treatment, rehabilitation, and future medical needs.
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to time needed for recovery.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the error.
• Wrongful Death: Funeral expenses and loss of financial support for families who have lost a loved one.

At Walner Law, our priority is ensuring injured patients recover compensation for their medical malpractice claims.

Medical Malpractice Lawsuit FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding medication errors and medical malpractice.

How long do I have to file a medication error claim in Chicago?

Under Illinois law, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases generally gives you two years from the date you discovered the harm. However, there are exceptions. It’s crucial to consult an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your right to file.

How do I prove fault in a medication error case?

Proving fault requires demonstrating negligence by the responsible party. Evidence may include medical records, expert testimony, and documentation of how the error occurred and affected you. Walner Law will guide you through gathering and presenting this evidence effectively.

Will my medication error case go to trial?

Many cases are resolved through settlements before reaching trial. However, Walner Law is fully prepared to fight for you in court if necessary to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

What should I do after experiencing a medication error?

Seek immediate medical attention to address any health concerns, then contact a trusted attorney. Avoid signing agreements with the responsible party’s insurance company without consulting legal counsel.

How much does it cost to hire Walner Law?

At Walner Law, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing unless we win your case or secure a settlement.

Contact Our Trusted Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorneys Today

Facing the aftermath of a medication error can feel daunting, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Walner Law, we’re committed to providing the legal and compassionate support you need to rebuild your life.

Our team of Chicago personal injury lawyers is ready to listen to your story, identify liable parties, and pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries. With a history of achieving significant settlements, we have the tools and dedication to advocate for justice on your behalf.

Don’t wait to take action. Contact Walner Law at at (312) 410-8496 or through our online form for your free and confidential consultation today.