Medication Errors Put Vulnerable Nursing Home Residents at Risk of Serious Injury and Death

 Posted on July 09, 2020 in Medication Errors

There are an estimated 1.5 million people living in nursing homes across the United States. Most nursing home residents have significant health concerns, including physical disabilities and mental disabilities, that require daily medication. Residents who do not receive their medications may suffer terrible pain and worsening health conditions. In some cases, a medication error can even cost a vulnerable resident his or her life. If your loved one has suffered in a nursing home due to a medication mistake, speak to a nursing home neglect attorney.

Common Medication Mistakes in Long-Term Care Facilities

Nursing home staff have an ethical duty as well as a legal obligation to provide reasonably competent care to residents. Unfortunately, understaffing, lack of organization, inadequate staff training, and other problems can lead to major medical mistakes. Some of the most common medication errors in nursing homes include:

• Administering the wrong medication or an incorrect dose of the medication
• Administering an expired medication
• Skipping medication doses or administering a dose twice
• Using a flawed medication administration technique
• Giving the medication to the resident at the wrong time of day
• Not following medication directions such as directions requiring the medication to be taken with food
• Failing to properly mix, shake, roll, or otherwise prepare the medication
• Inaccurately documenting when the medication was given and what dose was administered
• Failing to monitor the resident for side effects or other health concerns after giving the medication
• Failing to verify that a resident actually consumed the medication

Consequences of Medication Errors

When a resident does not receive the medication he or she needs, or even worse, receives a medication that he or she is not supposed to receive, the results can be dramatic. The resident may suffer in severe pain and experience adverse reactions to the medication or lack of medication. Residents with physical and mental incapacities may not be able to express that they are experiencing these symptoms. When a major medication error results in a resident’s injury or death, the resident or his or her loved ones may choose to bring a medical malpractice lawsuit against the nursing home. A successful medical malpractice claim can help victims recover compensation while also holding the negligent nursing home facility accountable for the harm caused.

Contact a Cook County Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer

Nursing home residents should never be forced to suffer without the medications they depend on. If you or a loved one were the victim of a medication error caused by nursing home negligence, contact Schwartz Injury Law to discuss your legal options. Call our office today at 312-535-4625 and schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable Chicago nursing home injury lawyer.

Source:

https://health.usnews.com/health-news/best-nursing-homes/articles/nursing-home-facts-and-statistics