Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog
It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed the health care system. High rates of infection and death have sent thousands of Americans to hospitals and health care clinics, most of which were already busy treating patients before the pandemic. The country’s medical providers and health care workers are working hard every single day to try and help people and combat the virus, but the sheer amount of work and stress they are under may take a serious toll on their mental health and their ability to perform the job effectively. Recently, a hospital nurse spoke to the Institute for Safe Medical Practices (ISMP) about the impact that COVID-19 is having, and what he said has implications for how the pandemic may increase Maryland pharmacy errors.
According to an article detailing his experiences and report, medication errors have been increasing in his hospital. Because nurses are working long hours with critically ill patients in a stressful, hectic, and overwhelming work environment, medication errors are more common. However, it is likely that this pattern is not isolated to just hospitals. The entire health care system is overwhelmed right now that it is likely that the rise of medication errors is also occurring in other settings, including pharmacies.
Pharmaceutical errors can be just as dangerous as errors occurring in hospitals. Many Maryland residents rely on their local pharmacy for their medications, but when pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are stressed out and overwhelmed they may make significant errors, such as providing the wrong dosage of a medication, or even the wrong medication altogether. With the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacies may be overwhelmed by more calls from patients than usual, or requests for more prescriptions as individuals stock up. They may also be short-staffed if a pharmacist or technician gets sick or needs to stay home to take care of a family member. All of this can negatively affect Maryland residents, who rely on pharmacists to fill their prescriptions correctly and likely to not expect to be injured from taking prescribed medicine.
When pharmacy errors do occur, there is a way for injured patients to hold a negligent pharmacy or pharmacist responsible and thus recover financially for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, many large pharmacy chains, like CVS or Walgreens, have skilled legal teams that will do their best to limit liability. Because of this, a Maryland resident who is injured or falls ill due to a suspected or confirmed pharmacy error is encouraged to speak with a personal injury attorney immediately to discuss their case.
Are You Searching for a Maryland Pharmacy Error Attorney?
When you’re injured or fall ill, it can be hard to know if it is due to a Maryland pharmacy error, and if so, if you have a claim against the pharmacy. If you find yourself in this situation, contact the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC. Our Maryland-based personal injury law firm has been handling pharmacy error cases for decades, and knows what it takes to succeed against large pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you: 800-654-1949.