Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog
When you pick up a prescription, you trust that the pharmacy is giving you the proper medication. A simple mistake behind the counter can have serious, even life-threatening consequences. In Maryland, pharmacies must follow strict guidelines to ensure that drugs are dispensed correctly and errors are reported promptly. If they fail, you have the right to hold them accountable.
A recent case from Iowa shows just how dangerous these errors can be. A Hy-Vee Pharmacy dispensed the wrong medication to a patient, giving her a different migraine drug intended for someone else. Even more troubling, the pharmacy failed to report the mistake within the required time. In Maryland, pharmacies face similar obligations to patients. An error like this could support a strong claim for compensation if it causes harm.
Understanding Pharmacy Error Responsibilities in Maryland
Under Maryland law, pharmacies must exercise a high standard of care when filling prescriptions. Pharmacists and technicians must ensure that the correct medication is dispensed, provide appropriate labeling, and counsel patients on how to use their medication safely and effectively. Maryland’s Board of Pharmacy also requires pharmacies to have systems in place for documenting and reviewing any medication errors.
In the Iowa case, it took the pharmacy five days to realize that the wrong drug had been handed out. That delay can make a bad situation even worse. In Maryland, failure to promptly report and address medication errors could violate state regulations and further expose a pharmacy to liability. A proper response means immediate notification of the patient, careful documentation, and corrective action to prevent future errors.
Staffing Shortages and Increased Risk of Pharmacy Errors
Many medication mistakes occur because pharmacies are understaffed or under pressure to fill prescriptions quickly. When pharmacists and technicians are overworked, they are more likely to make critical mistakes, such as pulling the wrong medication or failing to double-check prescriptions before handing them to patients. In Maryland, pharmacies must ensure they maintain sufficient staffing to meet their workload safely. Chronic understaffing does not excuse careless errors, especially when those errors cause serious harm. If you suspect a rushed or overwhelmed pharmacy staff contributed to your injury, that fact could strengthen your claim for full compensation.
Potential Harm Caused by Receiving the Wrong Medication
Taking the wrong drug can trigger a wide range of problems, even if the medication is generally safe for others. Patients could suffer allergic reactions, dangerous drug interactions, worsening of their underlying condition, or entirely new symptoms. In some cases, a patient might unknowingly skip essential treatment, as nearly happened when the wrong migraine medication was provided at the Hy-Vee Pharmacy.
Maryland patients face the same dangers every time a prescription is filled. If you suffer harm because a pharmacy gave you the wrong medication, the law allows you to pursue compensation for your injuries, including medical costs, pain and suffering, and other related losses.
What Evidence is Needed in Pharmacy Error Claims?
Pharmacy error cases often hinge on detailed records. Prescription logs, quality improvement reports, staff training documents, and surveillance video can all help prove what went wrong. Pharmacies are required to maintain these records, but they may not be willing to share them easily. That’s why working with a lawyer familiar with Maryland pharmacy laws can make a significant difference.
A prompt investigation can uncover whether the pharmacy had a pattern of mistakes, whether proper safeguards were in place, and whether staff followed the required procedures. After a serious error, gathering this evidence early gives you the best chance to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Work with a Maryland Pharmacy Error Lawyer Who Knows How to Fight for You
If a pharmacy’s mistake has harmed you or a loved one in Maryland, Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers is ready to help you seek justice. Our firm has recovered over $90 million for clients, holds a 10/10 rating on the Justia Lawyer Directory, and was honored by Super Lawyers in 2024 for our work protecting injury victims. We have extensive experience handling pharmacy error claims and will fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
Call Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers today at (800) 654-1949 to schedule your free consultation. Let us put our skills to work for you and help you move forward with confidence.