Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog
Over the past decade, many pharmacies began to offer free shipping to encourage patients to order their prescriptions online, over the phone, or through the mail. It seems pharmacies hoped that by decreasing foot traffic in their brick-and-mortar locations, they would be able to reduce their labor costs and run more efficiently. After offering free shipping for several years and developing a consistent number of online orders, pharmacies are now doing away with free shipping.
Some experts point out that as pharmacies begin to charge for shipping again, patients will no longer order their prescriptions online and will head into the pharmacy to obtain their medication. According to a recent industry news report, experts noticed an increase in the rate of pharmacy errors over the past few months, which correlates with the abolition of free shipping. If you believe a pharmacist has erred in your prescription, reach out to a Maryland pharmacy error attorney.
Experts argue that the sudden and perhaps unexpected increase in foot traffic in retail pharmacy locations is creating a busy workplace for pharmacists, who feel increased time pressure to fill patients’ prescriptions promptly. The experts point out that roughly half of all prescription errors occur in the retail pharmacy setting, and one of the primary reasons for this is because pharmacists are overworked. Indeed, most of the causes of a prescription error can be traced back to a lack of diligence or attention, which is often due to the heavy burden placed on individual pharmacists.
As a general matter, both pharmacists as well as the pharmacy that employs them have a duty to patients to fill all prescriptions accurately. This includes providing the correct medication in the appropriate dose with the necessary instructions. Of course, that fact that a pharmacist is overworked is not an excuse for an error that could seriously affect a patient’s life. But the fault for a pharmacy error does not rest solely with the pharmacist who made a mistake.
If a pharmacist makes an error and a patient suffers as a result, the pharmacy may be vicariously liable to the patient for any injuries they have sustained. However, as simple as these cases may seem to be, pharmacy error cases can be exceedingly complex and often require expert medical testimony to establish that the pharmacist’s mistake was indeed the cause of the patient’s injuries.
Have You Been the Victim of a Pharmacy Error?
If you or someone you care about has recently been the victim of a Maryland pharmacy error, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The dedicated Maryland personal injury lawyers at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC have extensive experience assisting injured patients and their families in obtaining the compensation they deserve from negligent pharmacies. We handle pharmacy error and personal injury cases across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with an attorney to discuss your situation today, call 410-654-3600. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
More Blog Posts:
More People Are Getting Flu Shots in Alternative Settings Across Maryland and the Rest of the US, Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog, November 8, 2018.
New Technology Aims to Address the Danger of Prescription Errors in Maryland and throughout the United States, Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog, November 15, 2018.