The most common medical mistake leading to medical negligence in hospitals is medication errors. Over 1.5 million cases of medication errors are reported each year in the United States. Take into consideration that these are just the cases that were actually detected and documented (the total number of medication errors are likely far higher.) The problem is so large, that on average, every person who is hospitalized in the U.S. receives at least one medication error every day. Although the majority of the time medication errors do not cause any significant or even noticeable harm to the patient, sometimes the injuries they cause are enormous and permanent. In fact, occasionally, medical errors even lead to the death of the patient.
The Law Offices of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel & Associates has extensive experience dealing with cases involving medication errors. For example, we have had cases where patients incorrectly were administered Heparin, a blood thinner, which can cause serious injuries to the brain if the patients can't tolerate the medication in their condition. We had cases where patients were incorrectly administered lethal doses of Demerol due to a simple miscommunication of the doctors, causing the death of the patients.
Did my doctor give me the wrong medication or an overdose of medicine?
If a doctor prescribed the wrong medication or an overdose of the correct medication, evidence of this error can usually be detected by the administration of a corrective medication. For example, if a doctor or nurse, administered an overdose of narcotic pain medications, which could likely happen if a doctor or nurse exiting one shift failed to notify the new shift doctor or nurse that they had already given a dose of the medication, then the new shift doctor may administer Narcan to counter the effects. Another example could be a doctor or nurse administering an overdose of Heparin. After realizing the mistake, they may then administer Protamine to reverse the effects.
This is why retaining the services of an experienced medical malpractice attorney is critical to the success or failure of a medical negligence or medical malpractice case. Dr. Bruce Fagel is both a licensed medical doctor and a leading medical malpractice attorney. This unique background of being both a medical malpractice lawyer and a licensed physician enables Dr. Fagel to thoroughly investigate the medical records and determine if a medical error was responsible for the serious injuries or even death to the patient. Being a medical doctor also helps Dr. Fagel in the deposition and court room when questioning doctors, nurses, and medical staff. Medical professionals often use complicated medical jargon to confuse attorneys; however, this does not work with an experienced medical malpractice attorney who is also a licensed medical doctor.
