(845) 802-0047When most people think about their medical care providers, they consider their physician, surgeon, or nurse practitioners. While these medical professionals provide a great deal of direct care, they are not the only ones who do so.
Pharmacists also deliver an important component of health care. In fact, doctors and pharmacists act as two sides of the same coin; the doctor prescribes a medication and the pharmacist fills the prescription. Because of their vital role in serving patients, it is imperative that pharmacists comply with their professional standards. These standards help ensure that patients get the medication they need to treat an illness or injury.
Unfortunately, not all pharmacists follow these procedures and such negligence can seriously harm a patient. If your pharmacist gave you the wrong prescription or failed to warn you about medication interactions, call a dedicated attorney. An Albany pharmacy negligence lawyer can provide you with more information about your options.
Examples of Pharmacy Negligence
Pharmacists do a lot more than simply count out the pills for a patient’s prescription. They must interpret a prescribing doctor’s orders, warn patients about potential drug interactions, ensure the right patient gets the right drug, and otherwise educate patients about their medications.
Pharmacists act as the medication expert for other medical professionals, as well as for patients. They work in a high-pressure environment and bear a huge responsibility for patients’ safety. Because of the demands of the job, pharmacists undergo years of education and professional training. However, even the most experienced and highly trained pharmacist can make a mistake.
When a pharmacist fails to comply with professional standards, and a patient suffers harm, they acted negligently and can be held liable.
What Are Some Examples of Pharmacist Negligence?
Common examples of pharmacist negligence include:
- Providing the right medication in the wrong dosage
- Patient mix-ups
- Failing to review a patient’s medical history
- Filling the wrong medication
- Failing to warn a patient about a drug interaction
- Improperly labeling a prescription
- Providing incorrect information to a prescribing physician
- Failing to identify a patient’s drug allergies
In some cases, such negligence is the result of unsafe practices implemented by the pharmacy. When that happens, a patient can work with an Albany pharmacy negligence lawyer to sue the pharmacy as well as the pharmacist for the harm they suffered.
Filing an Albany Lawsuit
Patients who receive the incorrect medication, the wrong dosage, or a medication they are allergic to can suffer a great deal of harm. Because pharmacists must be so precise in their work, any negligent action can hurt a patient.
Pharmacy negligence victims in Albany should contact a lawyer right away because they could be entitled to financial compensation. Recent changes to state law have extended the amount of time pharmacy malpractice victims have to file their claim. However, it is important to contact a lawyer right away because these cases are often quite complex.
For a successful claim, a victim must prove the illness or injury they suffered was caused by the pharmacy negligence.
How Will Pharmacist Try to Defend Themelves?
Many negligent pharmacists will try to defend themselves by claiming the victim did not follow the prescription instructions or altered the medication at home thereby causing their harm. An Albany pharmacy negligence lawyer can help someone prove the pharmacist or pharmacy is at-fault for the damages they suffered. Often, pharmacy malpractice victims seek financial compensation for the following:
- Medical costs as a result of their illness/injury
- Lost wages due to an inability to work while ill/injured
- Physical pain
- Emotional trauma
An Albany Pharmacy Negligence Attorney Can Be an Advocate
Incorrect medication can have devastating and possibly irreparable effects. However, when that happens you have options. You may be able to hold the responsible pharmacy liable for their actions. To learn more about your options and determine your next steps, contact a knowledgeable Albany pharmacy negligence lawyer. They can work with you to seek the compensation you need and deserve. Call today to learn more.