Medication Error

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Phoenix Nursing Home Medication Error Lawyers

Strong advocacy when nursing homes in Arizona make medication errors

As we age, it’s natural that we need to take medications to help with our various ailments. Many seniors take medications for high blood pressure, cholesterol, arthritis, diabetes, and many other health problems. These medications, given correctly, help seniors live long lives. Each medication must be reviewed and monitored for adverse side effects, adverse interactions with other drugs, and how well they’re working. Medications have specific dosage requirements and specific timing schedules. Phoenix nursing homes need to have specific medication plans for each resident to ensure medication mistakes do not happen.

At Garcia & Artigliere, our Arizona nursing home neglect and abuse lawyers have 150+ years of combined experience fighting for the elderly. Our attorneys understand when and how nursing homes need to work with the physicians who prescribe the medications and the pharmacists who fill the prescriptions. We understand when and how medications should be stored, where the senior should be given his/her medications, and how the medications should be given. We understand that failing to give the correct medications in the correct dosages at the correct times can have serious consequences including the possibility a resident could die. We seek all the compensation that Arizona law permits.

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What are the different kinds of medication errors in Phoenix nursing homes?

Medication mistakes at Phoenix nursing homes include:

  • Giving a senior or younger resident the wrong medication or not giving the resident the correct medication
  • Giving the incorrect dosage – too much or too little
  • Giving the medication at the wrong time – such as in the afternoon when the medication should be given at night
  • Giving the medication incorrectly – such as giving the drug in powder form instead of as a whole tablet

Examples of medication errors include:

  • Not giving the resident liquids to help with swallowing
  • Not following directions – such as instructions that say whether to take the medication with food or antacids
  • Not explaining what foods should be avoided for certain medications
  • Giving the medications orally when they may need to be given intravenously
  • Not preparing insulin properly
  • Not using eyedrops correctly
  • Using extended-release medications when immediate-release medications are required – or vice-versa
  • Not taking the time to see that the resident actually swallows the medications
  • Failing to consider and explain any possible side effects
  • Failing to seek emergency care when necessary

A few of the many safety precautions Phoenix nursing home staff should follow when administering medications include:

  • Documenting which medications were administered, when the patient took the medications, and whether there were any reactions or side effects of concern
  • Monitoring the senior for a while after the medications are given
  • Not giving medications beyond their expiration date
  • Not giving medications for the proper time period. For example, Phoenix nursing home residents normally must complete any course of antibiotic treatment once the treatment is started

Why do medication mistakes in Phoenix nursing homes happen?

At Garcia & Artigliere, our Phoenix medication error lawyers work with physicians, pharmacists, and nursing home professionals who understand the proper procedures for administering medications and when those procedures have been violated. We also understand why medical mistakes happen and how those mistakes should have been prevented.

Our lawyers examine whether:

  • The medications were given properly as described above.
  • The nursing home was understaffed. There should be enough staff members who are qualified to keep a proper inventory of the medications needed and to ensure each resident is given the medications he/she needs.
  • There was a medication care plan for each resident.
  • There was compliance with the requirements that only certain qualified people can administer medications. The state of Arizona and the state and local medical boards have specific requirements for who can give medications, who can prescribe medications, and who must supervise the administration of medications in Phoenix nursing homes.
  • The medications were stored properly. Medications may have very specific temperature requirements that may require refrigeration or other temperature controls.
  • Any staff members stole the drugs for their own use to sell.
  • There were any distractions when the medications were given
  • A resident had any cognitive or physical difficulties that affected how the medications should be given.

Nursing homes should train their staff about medication administration and problems. Many nursing homes have the staff complete a Med-Pass certification program.

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Why are medication mistakes so dangerous?

Medication mistakes can have serious and possibly irreversible consequences. Some medication errors may be fatal.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the consequences of medication mistakes include adverse reactions to certain medications, if the correct dosage isn’t taken, and if the drugs negatively interact with other medications. Adverse reactions can include allergic reactions. Some adverse reactions require immediate emergency care.

Each medication should be given to control or help avoid a specific health problem. If for example, a resident isn’t given his/her statins on a regular basis, the resident may have serious heart problems.

Phoenix nursing homes should use current medical technology, such as medication databases, to track the supply of medications, when medications need to be re-ordered, store each resident’s individual medication plan, and for many other reasons.

The resident’s doctors should be called if emergencies arise.

What is the value of a nursing home medical mistake claim in Arizona?

When medication mistakes happen, the resident may suffer side effects. Their health may deteriorate. They may need extensive medical help to stabilize their health. Some mistakes may be fatal.

Our Phoenix nursing home medication mistake lawyers demand that residents who suffer harm due to medication errors receive the following compensation:

  • Medical expenses for emergency care, hospitalizations, surgeries, doctor visits, rehabilitative therapy including physical and psychological therapy, assistive devices, and medications
  • Their daily physical pain and emotional suffering
  • Loss of quality of life

If your loved one died due to medication mistakes, we file wrongful death claims on behalf of your family. Wrongful death damages in Arizona include the funeral and burial costs; any financial losses such as the loss of an inheritance or financial support; and the loss of emotional comfort, love, and guidance your loved one would have provided.

Do you have a nursing home medication error lawyer near me?

Garcia & Artigliere represents seniors and families when Phoenix nursing homes make medical mistakes that cause a resident any harm. We’ll answer all your questions and explain your rights and the rights of your loved one.

Contact Garcia & Artigliere today to learn what rights you have when Arizona nursing homes make medication errors

Every nursing home needs to prioritize the administration of medications to their residents. Medications are essential to helping seniors control or avoid diseases, live more comfortably, and lengthen their lives. Nursing homes need to have procedures in place for each resident to ensure their residents receive the correct prescription medicines in the correct dosages at the correct times.

At Garcia & Artigliere, our Phoenix nursing home medication error lawyers have helped thousands of seniors obtain strong recoveries – many for hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars. To discuss your rights and the rights of your loved one, call or contact us for a free, confidential case evaluation now. We’re a national law firm with additional offices in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Louisville, and New Orleans. We represent nursing home abuse and neglect victims nationwide. We do not receive compensation unless your case is successful.

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