Despite significant medical advancements, pharmaceutical errors still affect thousands of people in Maryland and across the country. Even in controlled hospital environments, patients continue to receive the wrong drug or the wrong dose. These events can cause severe injury, long-term complications, or death. In late May, new research out of the University of Washington shed light on a tool that may help reduce these errors in the future. However, technology alone will not address the root causes that lead to medication mistakes being so common. For individuals already harmed by these errors, accountability and legal support remain vital.
Medication Mistakes Are Still One of the Most Common Patient Safety Failures
Every year, millions of prescriptions are filled in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and pharmacies. Even when labeled and prepared carefully, errors happen at every stage from ordering, mixing, labeling, and delivering, to final administration. The World Health Organization estimates that 1.3 million people in the U.S. are harmed by medication errors each year, and at least one person dies daily because of them.
These incidents are not limited to busy emergency rooms or pharmacies under pressure. They happen in quiet recovery wings and well-run operating rooms. In many cases, a drug is mislabeled, a syringe contains the wrong substance, or the dosage does not match the patient’s size or condition.
Can AI Help Reduce the Rate of Medication Errors?
A new study, led by a research team in Seattle, tested whether AI-powered cameras could serve as a second set of eyes during drug preparation in the operating room. By scanning vials and syringes worn by hospital staff, the system detected labeling mismatches and potential swap errors in real-time. Results showed nearly perfect accuracy in detecting these mistakes during controlled trials.
While this technology may reduce risk in the future, it is not currently used in most clinical settings. It also depends on hospitals to adopt the tool, train staff properly, and ensure it functions under the pressure of real patient care. Advocates caution that no technology can solve every problem, especially when internal communication failures and human error still play significant roles.
Why These Errors Keep Happening in Maryland Facilities
Medication errors often happen for reasons that extend beyond the individual provider. Poor coordination between departments, understaffed units, unclear policies, and inconsistent labeling standards all contribute to these injuries. In some facilities, nurses and anesthesiologists must mix drugs quickly without adequate time to double-check.
Labeling issues are also widespread. Some drugs look alike or have nearly identical names. If a hospital doesn’t follow safe storage practices or color coding, staff may grab the wrong medication entirely. Even barcode systems, intended to add safety, may fail if staff skip steps or override alerts due to “alarm fatigue.”
AI Is a Tool, Not a Replacement for Accountability
AI may soon enhance medication safety, but it cannot replace proper care and oversight. Experts warn that relying too much on automation can create blind spots. If hospitals use the promise of AI as an excuse to avoid hiring or training staff, patients may be put at greater risk.
The recent trial in Washington showed that this kind of technology could help reduce some mistakes, but it does not address the broader causes of medical negligence. In particular, it cannot overcome the breakdowns in communication that so often lead to the wrong drug being given to the wrong person at the wrong time.
How These Errors Can Affect You or a Loved One
When a medication error occurs, the effects may not be immediately apparent. You may experience unexpected side effects, a worsening condition, or delayed recovery. In more serious cases, the wrong drug can cause long-term disability or death. Victims and their families often struggle to get clear answers about what went wrong or who is responsible.
Hospitals and providers may be slow to admit fault. Medical records might contain confusing entries or lack key details. Many patients find themselves facing a wall of silence just when they need answers and support the most.
Maryland Patients Have the Right to Answers
If you believe a medical or pharmaceutical error caused your injury or the death of a loved one, you do not have to carry that burden alone. A skilled attorney can request full records, consult with medical experts, and determine whether a provider or institution failed to follow safe procedures. This may include reviewing protocols, evaluating staff conduct, and identifying whether earlier mistakes were ignored.
Legal action may help you recover damages for medical costs, lost income, emotional suffering, and future care needs. It can also help ensure that the hospital improves its practices to prevent similar errors from happening to others.
Talk with a Maryland Medication Error Lawyer Today
Technology may improve over time, but the pain caused by a preventable medication error is real and lasting. If you or someone close to you was harmed by a drug mistake in Maryland, it’s time to take action.
Call Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers at (800) 654-1949 to schedule a free consultation. We represent individuals and families affected by medical negligence throughout Maryland and will fight for the answers and compensation you deserve.