Bristol County Medication Error Lawyer

When you take a prescribed medication, you trust that your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will administer or dispense it correctly. Unfortunately, medication errors occur far too often—and the consequences can be life-threatening. If you or a loved one was harmed by a medication mistake, you may have the right to seek compensation with the help of our Bristol County medication error attorney.

At Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C., we represent victims of medical malpractice throughout Bristol County, Rhode Island. Our team has extensive experience holding healthcare providers and institutions accountable for the harm caused by preventable medication errors. We are committed to helping you recover financially, physically, and emotionally after a devastating mistake.

Contact us today to get started on your claim.

What is a Medication Error?

A medication error occurs when a mistake happens at any point in the process of prescribing, dispensing, or administering medication. These errors can happen in hospitals, pharmacies, nursing homes, or even outpatient settings. A medication error is not simply a side effect or an expected risk—it is a preventable event that results from negligence or oversight.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Institute of Medicine, medication errors are one of the most common types of medical mistakes, leading to thousands of injuries and deaths each year.

Examples of medication errors include:

• Administering the wrong drug
• Giving the wrong dosage
• Failing to monitor a patient for side effects or allergic reactions
• Mislabeling a prescription bottle
• Confusing drugs with similar names or packaging

If a healthcare provider’s mistake caused harm to you or a loved one, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.

Common Types of Medication Errors

Medication errors can happen at different stages of treatment—from the initial prescription to the final administration. Some of the most common types include:

Prescription Errors

Doctors and nurse practitioners may prescribe the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or a drug that interacts dangerously with other prescriptions. Failing to consider a patient’s allergies or medical history is also a form of negligence.

Dispensing Errors

Pharmacists are responsible for ensuring that prescriptions are filled correctly. A dispensing error might include giving a patient the wrong drug or strength, mislabeling a container, or providing incorrect usage instructions.

Administration Errors

These errors occur when nurses or hospital staff administer medication incorrectly—such as by giving the wrong dose, using the wrong route (e.g., IV instead of oral), or giving medication to the wrong patient.

Monitoring Errors

Once a medication is administered, healthcare providers must monitor the patient’s response. Failure to observe and respond to side effects, allergic reactions, or signs of overdose can lead to serious complications.

Documentation Errors

Accurate medical documentation is crucial to patient safety. If medication administration or dosage information is recorded incorrectly—or not recorded at all—it can lead to repeated errors and preventable harm.

Common Causes of Medication Errors

Medication errors often stem from systemic issues within healthcare facilities, as well as human negligence. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Fatigue or understaffing: Overworked nurses and doctors may make mistakes under pressure.
• Poor communication: Miscommunication between medical professionals can lead to incorrect prescriptions or duplicated medications.
• Illegible handwriting: While many systems now use electronic prescriptions, handwritten notes can still result in confusion and misinterpretation.
• Look-alike or sound-alike drugs: Medications with similar names or packaging can easily be confused.
• Lack of training or oversight: Inexperienced staff may administer drugs incorrectly without proper supervision.
• Failure to follow safety protocols: Not double-checking patient information, dosages, or contraindications can result in devastating outcomes.

At Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C., we thoroughly investigate each case to determine how the error occurred and who is responsible. Our goal is to hold negligent medical professionals accountable and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Medication Error?

Determining liability in a medication error case can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility. Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include:

• Doctors or prescribing physicians who ordered the wrong medication or dosage
• Pharmacists or pharmacy technicians who filled prescriptions incorrectly
• Nurses or hospital staff who administered drugs improperly
• Hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes for failing to implement adequate safety measures or supervision
• Pharmaceutical manufacturers in cases where labeling or packaging was misleading

Compensation for Medication Error Victims

Victims of medication errors may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses: Costs for hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatment
• Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work or diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering: Emotional and physical distress caused by the injury
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Reduced quality of life due to long-term effects
• Wrongful death damages: If a medication error results in a fatality, surviving family members may pursue compensation for their loss

At Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C., we fight to secure full and fair compensation for every client we represent.

Medication Error Claim FAQs

What should I do if I suspect a medication error caused my injury?

Seek immediate medical attention to prevent further harm. Then, preserve all medication bottles, labels, receipts, and medical records. Contact a Bristol County medication error lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights.

How long do I have to file a medication error claim in Rhode Island?

Under Rhode Island law, medical malpractice claims generally must be filed within three years from the date the injury occurred—or when it should have reasonably been discovered. However, exceptions may apply, so it’s best to consult an attorney promptly.

Do I need an expert witness to prove my case?

Yes. In most medication error cases, expert testimony from a qualified medical professional is required to establish that the care you received fell below the accepted standard.

Can I sue both the doctor and the hospital?

Yes. If both parties contributed to the error—through negligent supervision, improper protocols, or direct mistakes—you may have grounds to pursue claims against multiple defendants.

How much is my case worth?

The value of your case depends on the extent of your injuries, the cost of your treatment, and the impact the error has had on your life. Your attorney will carefully evaluate all damages to pursue maximum compensation.

Contact a Bristol County Medication Error Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one suffered harm due to a medication mistake, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Our team at Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. is here to help you navigate the legal process, hold negligent parties accountable, and secure the justice you deserve.

Call (401) 200-4059 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.