Maryland Pharmacy Errors May Be Harmless, But They Could Also Be Fatal

Maryland pharmacy errors can range in their severity. Some may be harmless—a mistake is made when filling a prescription, but it does not really make a difference to or harm the patient. For example, the wrong version of a drug might be given, but the two drugs are substitutable. Or the instructions are messed up, telling the patient to take the drug every morning instead of at night, but it does not really matter so long as it’s only taken once a day. In these cases, individuals may not even know that there has been a mistake. But sometimes, pharmacy errors can be far more serious. Individuals given the wrong drug, the wrong dosage, or the wrong instructions, for example, may face significant bodily harm, or severe illnesses. In some cases, the mistakes may even be fatal.

For example, take a recent tragedy where a pharmacy error allegedly caused the death of an 82-year-old woman. According to an article covering the incident, the woman died on New Year’s Eve 2020, just hours before the world rang in 2021, after being wrongly sent antidepressants instead of her regular prescription for weeks. The woman’s caretaker found her semiconscious after one of his breaks and discovered that the drug she was supposed to be taking—the water retention drug furosemide—had actually been the antidepressant fluoxetine. The pharmacist had mixed up the drugs, which both started with the letter F. While researching the drug she had been taking—fluoxetine—it was discovered that internal bleeding was a potential side effect. And tragically, the patient died from an upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, thought to have been caused by the pharmacy error.

The family is, understandably, heartbroken. The woman’s son, speaking to a reporter, says that the family feels “very let down because you put your faith and trust in pharmacies and the medication that they deliver.” To have that medication inadvertently kill your loved one is an unimaginable tragedy. While the family did receive a letter from the pharmacy saying that they made a mistake, that letter does not do anything to bring back their loved one. Unfortunately, nothing can. However, the family stated publicly that they are looking into bringing legal action against the pharmacy.

WHy File a Pharmacy Error Claim After a Medication Error?

While filing a pharmacy error claim after an error cannot fix the awful situation completely, many families choose to file wrongful death lawsuits in situations like this one to recover financially for their loss. The monetary damages awarded in these lawsuits can ensure the family does not have to worry about finances while mourning their loved ones, and can cover medical bills, funeral and burial costs, and more. Additionally, by holding pharmacies accountable for their negligence, it encourages all pharmacists to be more careful in the future.

Have You Lost a Loved One in a Maryland Pharmacy Error?

If you are mourning the loss of a loved one due to a suspected Maryland pharmacy error, you may want to speak with an attorney right away to discuss your legal options. The personal injury attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC, offer free initial consultations with a flexible schedule. Call us risk-free to learn how our experienced and compassionate advocates can help you and your family recover financially: 800-654-1949. Calling is risk-free, so call today.

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