Prescription & Medication Errors
Independent research has shown that a staggering 237 million prescribing errors occur annually in the NHS alone.
They often result from mistakes made by GPs, hospital doctors, nurses, carers and pharmacies.
Types of medication errors
Common problems include:
- Labelling errors;
- Incorrect drug or dose/strength of a drug;
- Prescription of blood thinning drugs e.g warfarin and heparin leading to internal haemorrhage, pulmonary embolism and death.
Specialist
Over more than 25 years, specialist clinical negligence solicitor, David Gazzard, has represented many people whose lives have been affected, often very seriously, by such medication errors.
“Thank you so much David for everything you’ve done for us. My father is so grateful that you’ve been at our side the whole way.” FT, July 2018
In a recent case dealt with by David, a gentleman went to see his GP with the symptoms of a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) in his lower leg. Before checking his medical history and noticing a previous problem with stomach ulcers, the GP prescribed heparin. This error caused a gastro-intestinal bleed and resulted in an emergency admission to hospital for a blood transfusion and surgery. The claim settled for a six figure sum.
“Thank you David for a most professional service; you are a credit to your profession. Also, your optimism is infectious!” TB, October 2017
In another case, David was instructed by an 80 year old gentleman with an allergy to penicillin. In 2015 he attended his Dentist and was prescribed Augmentin (Co-amoxiclav) for a suspected dental abscess. The medication was dispensed by a local pharmacist whom he knew well and knew of his allergy. Without appreciating that this drug was penicillin he returned home and took his medication. Within a very short period of time he felt unwell, collapsed and lost consciousness. As a result of falling over he suffered a serious head injury. David was able to establish liability for breach of duty and after obtaining expert medical evidence, the claim for compensation was settled.
“David Gazzard supported my family and I through a very difficult time. David is not only a first rate solicitor but if my own experience was anything to go by, he has huge empathy for his clients. I would strongly recommend him.” AJ, January 2017
Contact
If you have been affected by a medication or prescribing error and wish to discuss matters with David informally and in complete confidence, please feel free to call him on 01793 615011 or email him at david.gazzard@blbsolicitors.co.uk