What You Must Know to Protect Your Legal Rights
In today’s world, one of the fastest growing types of personal injury in the United States stems from pharmaceutical malpractice (also known as pharmaceutical negligence). Healthcare analysts, as well as those from the insurance industry, estimate that currently there are over 1 million people across the country who are the victims of pharmaceutical malpractice.
Only a small fraction of these people who’ve suffered injuries because of pharmaceutical negligence ever obtain justice for their damages and losses. Only a relatively small number of people who suffer injuries arising from pharmaceutical negligence actually take an affirmative step to obtain justice in their cases. Indeed, there is speculation that a notable number of people who are injured in this way fail to fully understand that they have a specific right to seek justice as the result of pharmaceutical malpractice.
Extent of Prescription Drug Use in the United States
Before diving into more of the specifics regarding pharmaceutical malpractice, it is important to understand the extent of prescription drug use in the United States. The ever-increasing use of prescription drugs across the country is one of the primary reasons why claims for pharmaceutical malpractice are also on an upswing.
A stunning nearly 70 percent of adults in the United States is on or will take one prescription medication during the course of the year. 50 percent of adults in the country are on or will take two. 20 percent of adults take five or more prescription medications. Analysts are nearly universal in their determination that the percentage of Americans using prescription medications will increase over the course of the coming five to 10 years. The number of adults taking multiple prescription is also expected to climb during the coming decade.
Common Types of Pharmaceutical Negligence
The common element in all pharmaceutical malpractice cases is prescription medication. With that noted, there are nine types of underlying acts of negligence that result in injuries and the basis for a pharmaceutical malpractice claim of lawsuit. These include:
- Improperly filled prescriptions
- Improperly prescribed prescriptions
- Failure to properly inform of side effects
- Failure to properly identify potential adverse interactions
- Defective medications
- Untimely drug recalls
- Negative long-term effects of prescriptions
- Failed communication between doctors and pharmacists
- Inaccuracies in prescriptions
Medical Malpractice and Pharmaceutical Malpractice
Acts of negligence can occur for a number of reasons when it comes to pharmaceutical malpractice. In some cases, a case of claim can involve elements of pharmaceutical malpractice and medical malpractice. For example, a doctor may initially prescribe an improper drug for a particular condition. A pharmacist may detect a possible error in this regard. Despite realizing there may be an issue, a pharmacist for some reason elects not to raise concern with the prescribing doctor or patient.
Parties Responsible for Pharmaceutical Negligence
As noted, a case involving pharmaceutical negligence can also include an element of medical malpractice. This reality points to the fact that multiple parties might be at play in a case of pharmaceutical malpractice. Examples of parties that might share liability in a pharmaceutical malpractice case may include:
- Pharmacist
- Other Pharmacy Staff Members
- Pharmacy
- Pharmacy Corporation
- Prescribing Physician
- Hospital
- Medical Clinic
- Pharmaceutical Company
Learn More about Pharmaceutical Malpractice and Your Legal Rights
If you think you or a loved one is the victim of pharmaceutical malpractice, you don’t have to muddle around trying to obtain justice and protect your rights. A skilled, experienced, understanding pharmaceutical malpractice lawyer from The Doan Law Firm is ready to protect your rights and fight for justice in your case.
You can schedule a case evaluation with a tenacious pharmaceutical malpractice lawyer right now by calling (800) 349-0000. The hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including all major holidays.
The Doan Law Firm is a nationwide practice with offices located coast-to-coast across the United States. In addition to arranging an appointment at any one of the firm’s office, a consultation can be scheduled at your home, at the hospital, or even via a virtual appointment online. There is no cost for a pharmaceutical malpractice case evaluation.
The Doan Law Firm makes an attorney fee promise: you pay nothing unless the firm wins for you.