If you’ve been issued a prescription with either the wrong medication or faulty instructions on it, the outcome can be catastrophic. If you’ve suffered as a result of an error in prescription, Slater and Gordon’s specialist legal experts can help get the compensation you deserve.
Each day, countless prescriptions are created and dispensed by the NHS and, in the vast majority of cases, patients are treated correctly and successfully. However, mistakes can happen and, when they do, the consequences can be catastrophic.
According to the Care Quality Commission, an estimated 237 million medication errors occur in the NHS, in England alone – meaning the total mistakes made across the UK are likely to be much higher. Faults can include:
Errors in prescription, meaning the prescribing doctor allocated the wrong medication for the patient
Prescription errors in the pharmacy, such as the wrong medication being dispensed or inaccurate instructions given to the patient
In both cases, if you’re suffering because of a prescription error you might be entitled to claim compensation. Our medical negligence solicitors are experts in handling prescription error claims, and are here to support you throughout your compensation claim and recovery.
What types of errors in prescription are there?
Errors in prescription or errors in a pharmacy are both quite broad categories, and include a wide range of errors that can cause unnecessary and avoidable harm to patients. Whether the medication you’ve been prescribed is for treatment of an injury or illness or prevention of an illness, there are different scenarios which can lead to prescription errors, such as:
Dispensing error
Handing out the wrong medication, for example because it's being put in the wrong place or the wrong bag
Labelling medication incorrectly
Dispensing the wrong dosage of the medication prescribed
Prescribing error
Prescribing a product that you are allergic against
Prescribing the wrong dosage
Prescribing medication, which clashes with other medication
Repeatedly prescribing medication without regular check-ups
How do you know if you have a medical negligence claim for an error in prescription?
If your GP, a medical professional or pharmacist has made a prescription error, and as a result, your condition has got worse or you’ve developed another condition, you may be entitled to prescription error compensation. Whilst many prescription errors don’t have any serious consequences for the patient, for others it can have catastrophic and even fatal consequences.
If you think you’ve suffered as a result of a prescription error, contact our team of experts to establish whether or not you have a claim for prescription error negligence.
How much can I claim for an error in prescription?
Every case is different, and the final amount of compensation awarded will be based on the severity of the injury and the affect the injury has had on your life. Additionally, you’ll also be able to claim for any lost earnings, any long-term care, rehabilitation and any necessary house adaptations to maximise the chance of recovery and independent living. To establish your full legal position, call us on freephone 0330 041 5869.
I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything Slater and Gordon have done to fight this case for us. I appreciate it has involved a lot of people. Please can you also thank the expert witnesses who have provided their expertise and help.
Mr and Mrs H (medical negligence client)
I cannot recommend Slater and Gordon enough, throughout the entire period of the case, all the staff have been both very professional, and supportive.
Mr Q (medical negligence client)
Kept informed regularly as to how my claim was going, prompt replies to any questions I had, excellent customer service at all times. Excellent service from all staff that have been involved in my claim.
Ms S (medical negligence client)
Not only do we have many years' experience securing compensation for prescription error claims, we also have the utmost sensitivity to handle your case with great care. From the straightforward to the complex, we work hard to ensure our clients not only achieve the best financial outcome, but can rest easy throughout the process knowing everything is well taken care of.
Our industry-leading team are consistently ranked highly in independent legal directories, such as Chambers and Partners, and the Legal 500, and are proud to have helped numerous clients achieve the compensation they deserve.
Our team members also include trained nurses and medical professionals who provide us with expert knowledge in-house, helping us to secure the best possible outcome and provide clients with access to high-quality treatment and rehabilitation.
How long do I have to make a prescription error claim?
If you believe you have a claim, it’s important that you seek advice from a solicitor who specialises in prescription error cases as soon as possible, as there are time limits in place in England, Scotland and Wales.
Generally, a prescription error claim should be made within three years from the date the negligence occurred or the date you were first aware that you had suffered a significant injury or illness due to negligence. However, there are exceptions.
How long does it take to settle a prescription error claim?
The length of your case can vary, depending upon the complexity of the case and how quickly we can establish liability for the mistake. Where errors in prescription have resulted in long-lasting and serious injuries, claims can take a number of years to complete.
However, our lawyers will always aim to settle your case as quickly, compassionately and as stress-free as possible. To start your claim, contact us today either online or by calling 0330 041 5869.
How much does it cost to make a prescription error claim?
The majority of our medical negligence claims are funded by a conditional fee agreement, otherwise known as a No Win No Fee Agreement. This means if you lose your case, you will not have to pay any fees and therefore, there’s no financial risk to you. For further information, about No Win No Fee agreements, read our medical negligence fees page.
I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything Slater and Gordon have done to fight this case for us. I appreciate it has involved a lot of people. Please can you also thank the expert witnesses who have provided their expertise and help. Mr and Mrs H (medical negligence client)
I cannot recommend Slater and Gordon enough, throughout the entire period of the case, all the staff have been both very professional, and supportive. Mr Q (medical negligence client)
Kept informed regularly as to how my claim was going, prompt replies to any questions I had, excellent customer service at all times. Excellent service from all staff that have been involved in my claim. Ms S (medical negligence client)