Fatal pharmacy negligence takes the life of a loved one when the pharmacist makes an error with their medications. It could be a mistake with a prescription or even giving them the wrong medication, but whatever the error, you may have a fatal pharmacy negligence claim for compensation. 

Fatal medical negligence is when you or a loved one receives medical care below an acceptable level, and the negligence has resulted in their death. Losing a loved one is never easy, but knowing their death is due to pharmacy negligence can be difficult to accept. 

The family left behind will suffer anguish and sorrow due to the fatal negligence. Dependents could also lose their financial security and may need to make significant changes to their lives. 

If a loved one suffers below acceptable care from the pharmacy, you might be able to claim compensation from those responsible. 

A No Win No Fee medical negligence solicitor can make your claim for fatal pharmacy negligence and get you the compensation you deserve.

Fatal Pharmacy negligence

Table of Content

What is fatal pharmacy negligence?

Fatal pharmacy negligence is when an error by the pharmacist has caused the death of a patient under their care. The pharmacist has a duty of care to patients, and a breach of that duty of care could result in the death of a patient. 

Pharmacy negligence is medical care at a standard below which no other pharmacist working at a professional level would provide. When that medical negligence causes the death of a patient, it becomes fatal pharmacy negligence. 

The fatal pharmacy negligence could be due to medication errors or the simple mistake of not double-checking a medication bag, but the fatal negligence can be very traumatic for those left behind. 

If you lose a loved one through fatal pharmacy negligence, you may have a claim for compensation. 

Your No Win No Fee medical negligence solicitor will take your possible fatal pharmacy negligence claim for compensation against the pharmacy responsible.

Medical Negligence Claim Assessment

Take our 5-minute claim assessment to determine the strength and validity of your case. This is a 100% cost and commitment free service.

Common claims for fatal pharmacy negligence

Common fatal pharmacy negligence claims range from medication errors to mix-ups in patient names to stocking the medication bag with the wrong medications. Mistakes should never happen, but when one is due negligence and takes a loved one’s life, you may have a claim for fatal pharmacy negligence. 

The claims for fatal pharmacy negligence all carry a lack of duty or care towards the patient that resulted in the death of a patient. 

Common claims for fatal pharmacy negligence are:

Common claims for fatal pharmacy negligence

Giving the wrong dose instructions resulting in death claim

By giving the wrong dose instructions resulting in death, the pharmacist puts the patient’s life in danger by going against the prescribing doctor’s instructions. 

The prescribing doctor knows the patient’s notes and how a medication will work for them. They prescribe the medication with specific dose instructions. 

When the pharmacist gives the wrong dose instructions, the patient could overdose and do fatal harm to organs such as the heart and liver.

Giving a medication that causes a fatal reaction claim

Giving a medication that causes a fatal reaction can happen when the pharmacist does not read a prescription correctly or dispenses a medication that will react with one the patient is already taking. 

The pharmacist must check every prescription and every bag of medication before giving it to the patient. If they have any worries or concerns, they should be relayed to the patient and the prescribing doctor. 

To give a patient a medication that causes a fatal reaction may be pharmacy negligence, and the family could have a fatal pharmacy negligence claim.

Giving the wrong medication over time claim

Giving the wrong medication over time is when the pharmacist makes an original error with the prescription and repeats it every time the patient collects their medication. 

The wrong medication will not treat a condition as prescribed by a doctor. A medical condition could get worse and become fatal. A heart condition could become a blockage and cause a fatal heart attack. 

Prescriptions must be checked and double-checked before being given to the patient. Giving the wrong medication over time results in a condition not being treated and may be fatal pharmacy negligence.

Schedule A Call

If you have been a victim of any form of medical negligence? We specialise in pursuing damages against negligent healthcare providers.

It’s free and easy to speak with one of our team of negligence professionals.

Giving a patient another person’s medication bag claim

Giving a patient another person’s medication bag can happen in a busy pharmacy or with patients of a similar name, but the result could be fatal for the people involved. 

Medications are very personal and should only be given to the name on the prescription. Mixing up medication bags or putting the wrong name sticker on the wrong bag could be fatal pharmacy negligence in certain circumstances. 

The pharmacist must check every medication bag before giving it to a patient. 

If your family member dies due to fatal pharmacy negligence, you could have a claim for compensation.

Not explaining the side effects of a medication claim

Not explaining the side effects of a medication could be fatal pharmacy negligence if the patient passes away after taking their medicines at home. 

Some side effects are minor, such as a rash or nausea, but others, like anaphylactic shock, could be fatal. 

The pharmacist must explain to a patient the side effects of a new medication and what to do if they experience one or more at home. The patient can decide if they wish to take the medication or ensure they have someone with them when taking it. 

A No Win No Fee medical negligence solicitor can advise the family left behind if they have a fatal pharmacy negligence compensation claim.

Medication storage errors claim

Medication storage errors can result in a medication not working correctly, changing its chemical structure and even in the medicine becoming toxic. 

All medication must be stored as instructed by the manufacturer, and the pharmacy should have storage protocols in place as safeguards. 

If the pharmacy fails to store medication at the correct temperature or not in the fridge as instructed, they could breach a duty of care to patients and risk people’s lives. 

When a loved one passes away due to errors by the pharmacy, you may have a compensation claim for fatal pharmacy negligence.

The pharmacy buddy system

The pharmacy buddy system can avoid pharmacy negligence, and every pharmacy must operate a form of double-checking to ensure they are fulfilling their duty of care to patients. 

Fatal pharmacy negligence errors can be minimised by the pharmacy operating the two- pharmacist rule. The pharmacist buddy system exists to make sure medical negligence does not happen. 

The pharmacist hands the medicine bag to the other pharmacist to check the contents. Pharmacy negligence is avoided when they check all medications, the name on the bag and who the pharmacist is giving the bag to, and ensure patients get what is on their prescription. 

The family may seek compensation for fatal pharmacy negligence if the pharmacy buddy system is not followed, leading to errors in their loved one’s medications.

The pharmacy buddy system

Compensation for fatal pharmacy negligence

You can seek compensation for fatal pharmacy negligence claims in amounts from the low £10,000s to over £10 million in some cases. 

The compensation varies depending on several factors, and pharmacy negligence claims sometimes see very high awards, such as when a young mother passes away, or the main breadwinner in the family dies due to the fatal medical negligence.

Compensation amounts in fatal pharmacy negligence claims can be:

  • Failing to check the patient’s medication – £22,000
  • Failing to inform the patient of possible side effects – £29,000
  • Medication storage errors leading to death- £75,400
  • Giving a patient another person’s medication £76,500
  • Giving a patient the incorrect medication over time – £124,200
compensation claim calculator

All amounts are approximate and are only a guide to what is possible in fatal negligence claims. Figures can be high in some claims as a loved one could leave behind a family and others who rely on them for care. 

The family left behind will be able to claim for future care, educational expenses and other costs in the future. 

As in all medical negligence claims, each case is dealt with on merit and how much those left behind suffer due to the fatal pharmacy negligence. 

A No Win No Fee medical negligence solicitor will be the one to advise you on a fatal negligence claim. They will know from experience what your case may be worth and how to make a successful claim. 

Your No Win No Fee medical negligence solicitor will handle your fatal negligence claim for compensation and for all damages incurred.

Our Process

Our team members have a higher career win rate with a 75% success rate on NHS letters of claim, compared to an industry average of 54.5%.

Enquiry

The first step is to get in touch and tell us what went wrong. It’s free and easy. Call our 24-hour helpline: 0800 246 1122 or request a callback here.

Medical Evaluation

Once you have spoken with our team we’ll let you know how we can help. Typically the next step is to obtain your medical records for us to review.

Legal Letter

Once all your medical records have been received they will be reviewed by a medically & legally qualified member of our team. If there is evidence of negligence we will send a letter of claim to the negligent party outlining your compensation claim.

Who is eligible for fatal negligence compensation?

The family, parents, dependents, husbands, wives, and partners who are left behind after the fatal pharmacy negligence may be eligible for compensation. They are the ones who have suffered the loss, and the clear fatal pharmacy negligence has caused mental anguish and deep financial strain, possibly for life. 

Loved ones in a fatal pharmacy negligence case are known as ‘dependents’ and can be:

  • A spouse or former spouse of the deceased
  • Someone who lived with the deceased for two years before death as a husband, wife, or civil partner.
  • Blood children, adopted children or those who became children through marriage or civil partnership
  • Parents and those acting as parents, such as a guardian or step-parents
  • Grandparents or great-grandparents
  • Brothers, sisters, cousins, and other direct relatives

When your loved one is a victim of fatal negligence, or you have lost a loved one through pharmacy negligence, you may have a claim for compensation.

What can you claim for when you sue for fatal pharmacy negligence?

You can claim compensation for any damages that occurred when you sue for fatal pharmacy negligence. 

There are two types of compensation damages due when suing for any type of medical negligence: General damages and Special damages.

General damages are when you sue for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity, PSLA, your loved one may have experienced due to negligence before their death. 

  • Pain is that above what is normally expected for their procedure. 
  • Suffering is the inconvenience and changes to their life
  • Loss of Amenity is any difficulty they had in doing everyday tasks, such as walking, sitting, playing sports, and sleeping before passing away

Special damages include loss of earnings, future care costs, and out-of-pocket expenses. 

  • Loss of earnings includes compensation for time off work and any reduction of income into the home in the future. 
  • Future care costs are for any care you will need, as was provided by your loved one who passed away as a result of the fatal negligence. 
  • Out-of-pocket expenses cover medical appointments, travel, accommodation, and meals. 

Be sure to keep payslips, receipts, and proof of any losses you experience due to the medical negligence.  

You and other loved ones deserve compensation to cover all losses, including loss of life, medical costs, and long-term care needs. 

When a loved one passes away from the effects of pharmacy negligence complications, you can make a claim for fatal pharmacy negligence compensation.

medical negligence compensation types
Schedule Your Callback

If you have been a victim of any form of negligence? We specialise in pursuing damages against negligent healthcare providers. It’s free and easy to speak with one of our team of negligence solicitors.

Who can be held responsible for fatal pharmacy negligence?

A medical professional is responsible for any fatal pharmacy negligence. When dependents bring a claim for fatal pharmacy negligence, they claim against the NHS Trust or private pharmacy that employed the pharmacist responsible.

A medical professional responsible for the fatal pharmacy negligence could be:

  • The pharmacist who gives the patient an incorrect medication
  • The pharmacy without a buddy system in place
  • The pharmacy without storage protocols in place
  • The pharmacist who gives the patient another one’s medication bag
  • The NHS Trust responsible for pharmacy protocols and NICE guidelines
  • The hospital responsible for hiring suitable pharmacy professionals
  • The hospital responsible for providing pharmacy care
Who is responsible for medical negligence

Every medical professional owes you a duty of care when dealing with your health problems. You may suffer fatal pharmacy negligence if they are negligent with that duty of care and do not provide you with a professional service when under their care.

Medical negligence is treatment below an acceptable standard by a medical professional. Instead of putting the care needed into your pharmacy care, the treatment team made avoidable errors, which is clear medical negligence. 

By behaving less-than-professionally, the doctor risked the health of a loved one, and the financial and emotional effects could be with you for life.

You can claim compensation for the fatal pharmacy negligence and get help getting your life and that of the other dependents back on track.

What are the steps involved in making a fatal pharmacy negligence claim?

The steps involved in making a fatal pharmacy negligence claim go from seeking medical advice to issuing court proceedings. 

The steps are a part of any successful compensation case, and settlement can happen at any stage in the process. 

Your medical negligence solicitor will do the rest when you follow the steps correctly and gather all the facts and figures.

Seek medical advice on the injuries your loved one suffered during, before or after the medication errors, as soon as you realise they experienced fatal pharmacy negligence.

Contact a specialist medical negligence solicitor who operates on a No Win No Fee basis and tell them what went wrong. The right solicitor will look at the case, see where the problem lies, and advise if your loved one suffered fatal pharmacy negligence. 

The Medical Negligence Team also have a 100% Compensation Guarantee scheme, where you get all the money awarded in a negligence claim. 

Your loved one suffered medical negligence, and you should get all the money due for the suffering to your life caused by the fatal negligence.

Your medical negligence solicitor obtains the medical records with your permission. By reading the records, they will confirm if they think you have a valid fatal pharmacy negligence claim. 

The medical negligence team will know from your loved one’s medical records if the case will result in compensation being paid.

The medical negligence solicitor sending a letter of claim to the negligent party is the next step. The letter will ask them to admit the fatal pharmacy negligence in what is known as ‘sending a letter of claim.’ 

When the negligent party receives the letter of claim, it has up to four months to provide a written response.

Getting a response from the negligent party’s insurer will move the compensation claim closer to a conclusion. 

The insurer will either admit the medical negligence or say they intend to defend the case. Deciding to defend the case is known as ‘deny liability’ in legal terms. 

If they admit liability, your loved one’s fatal pharmacy negligence claim can be valued, and the two parties will meet to decide on the compensation payment. 

Your solicitor will negotiate with the negligent party and use their experience to get the compensation you deserve.

Issuing court proceedings is the next step if they deny liability in your fatal pharmacy negligence claim. 

Going to court happens, too, when they are not prepared to pay a fair amount for the damages suffered by those left behind. Your medical negligence solicitor issues the court proceedings.  

Remember that less than 1% of medical negligence cases end up in court, and very few of those cases ever make it to the courtroom.

making a medical negligence claim

We fight for our clients!

“I fractured my wrist and Barts Hospital Trust in London failed to arrange appropriate follow up in the fracture clinic and as a result my surgery was delayed. Medical Negligence Team Law obtained all my medical records and radiology and quickly settled my claim. I received 100% of the compensation recovered with no deductions”

Mrs C.M., London

“My pharmacy incorrectly gave me fast acting insulin causing problems with my blood sugars which made me very unwell for one month until the mistake was discovered. Medical Negligence Team Law quickly settled my claim and I received 100% of the compensation with no deductions.”

Mr G.W. , Lincolnshire

“Great service and communication from everyone at Medical Negligence Team Law throughout my claim. They handled my claim on a No Win No Fee basis and I received 100% of the compensation recovered.”

Miss A.W , Liverpool

“I required Tegretol medication for my underlying epilepsy and nocturnal seizure control but my pharmacy gave me something completely different by mistake. As a result after many years of having no seizures I had a number of seizures, a fall and needed time off work. The Medical Negligence Team got me the compensation I deserved including money for lost wages. They also paid 100% of the compensation to me with no deductions.”

Mr J.B., Kent

“I am happy to accept the £3,000 compensation, I just want to thank you for helping me with this! Your service has been amazing!”

Miss M.P., West Yorkshire

“A leaking IV iron infusion caused permanent staining to my arm. I received £13,000 compensation,100% with no deductions. Would recommend Medical Negligence Team to anyone.”

Mrs R. R., South Yorkshire

“Our pharmacist gave my husband the incorrect medication and while on holiday and taking the medication my husband became seriously ill. We had to rush home from Spain as a result of this. Medical Negligence Team recovered the costs for our abandoned trip and compensation for the pain my husband endured while he was recovering. They were very friendly, responsive and we received 100% of the compensation with no deductions.”

Mrs A.P., Worksop

“My late father had a fall in hospital breaking his hip which required surgery. The fall was due to a lack of supervision. Medical Negligence Team won our case and got us the compensation we deserved. We received 100% of the compensation recovered. Many thanks to all the team at Medical Negligence Team. Would definitely recommend them.”

Mr D.C., Nottingham

“Your care and support was outstanding, making me feel supported and reassured and you kept in constant contact with any worries I had explained and swiftly responded to thank you, would recommend highly.”

Mr B.H., Brighton

“Following open surgery in October 2022 I continued to have pain in my wound. It was discovered a piece of drain had been left inside me causing me pain and suffering and the need to have a further surgical procedure to remove it. In June 2023 Medical Negligence Team Law completed my claim and I got 100% compensation awarded. Thank you.”

Mrs B, Hertfordshire

“I needed surgery to remove an ovarian cyst. The NHS did the wrong operation first time round and they drained rather than remove the cyst. I then had to have a further operation to do the operation they should have done first time round with significant pain in between as the cyst came back. Medical Negligence Team quickly settled my claim. I received 100% of the compensation and was delighted with the service and communication throughout. They really are medical negligence experts”

Mrs T.S., South Yorkshire

“My pharmacy issued me with quetiapine rather than venlafaxine which had a significant impact on my mental health. Andy, Anthony and the team at Medical Negligence Team were incredibly helpful and obtained compensation for the pain and suffering I endured as well as payment for loss of earnings. They paid all the compensation, 100%, to me. I would highly recommend them.”

Mrs S. R., Peterborough

“Medical Negligence Team Law quickly settled my claim. They were friendly and helpful throughout the whole process and above all I received 100% compensation recovered with no deductions.”

Mr S.B., Northamptonshire

“Medical Negligence Team Law won my pharmacy negligence claim and I received 100% of the compensation recovered.”

Mr G.P. , South Yorkshire

“Medical Negligence Team Law quickly settled my medical negligence claim and I received 100% of the compensation recovered. I would highly recommend them.”

Miss P.R , North Yorkshire

How long do I have to make a claim for fatal pharmacy negligence?

You have three years to make a claim for fatal pharmacy negligence. All medical negligence claims are subject to limitation periods. 

For example, in England and Wales, medical negligence claims must generally be brought and court proceedings issued within three years of the injury or three years of knowledge of the facts giving rise to the fatal pharmacy negligence claim. 

If someone has passed away, it is the date of death if the limitation period has not expired at the date of death. 

Children not under a disability typically have until they reach 21 to start a fatal pharmacy negligence claim or court proceedings. 

Persons with a disability, who lack capacity, are not subject to any limitation period.

Can I make a medical negligence claim on behalf of a loved one?

Yes, you can make a medical negligence claim on behalf of a loved one. Under UK law, if an injured party cannot represent themselves, then a loved one can take the case on their behalf.

Pharmacy negligence is a perfect example of claiming on behalf of a loved one. The negligence could take a loved one’s life or leave them unable to make a claim.

Your loved one depends wholly on you and the family for care and to fight for their rights. By making a claim on their behalf for pharmacy negligence, you are fighting for the compensation they deserve.

A parent can make a pharmacy claim on behalf of a child while they are under 18. In some cases, the diagnosis of medical negligence is not made until a child is in their late teens. The child’s parents can make a compensation claim when the child is under 18, but the young adult can make one until they turn 21. 

A No Win No Fee medical negligence solicitor will work with you to win the compensation claim for the pharmacy negligence.

Are you eligible for compensation?

If you want to obtain compensation for the negligence you have suffered, we have a simple 3 step process to make sure you get the money you deserve

  • Take our online assessment & speak with our team

  • Our team of doctors and lawyers will undertake a full medical review based on your medical notes

  • We will send a legal letter of claim and our solicitors will pursue your compensation on your behalf

All case reviews are 100% cost and commitment free.

Using a No Win No Fee solicitor

Using a No Win No Fee solicitor is the only way to a successful fatal pharmacy negligence compensation claim. Your No Win No Fee medical negligence solicitor will not charge you for a claim you do not win. 

Always have a fee agreement in place before engaging a medical negligence solicitor. If they start talking of a ‘win fee’ or a ‘success fee,’ you should walk away. The negligent party insurers should pay all fees. 

The medical negligence solicitor should also operate a 100% Compensation Guarantee scheme. When you win the case, all the money awarded should go to you, not the solicitor. 

You are the one who suffered due to the fatal pharmacy negligence, and you deserve the compensation to get your life back to normal.

Using a No Win No Fee solicitor

Can I make a medical negligence claim against the NHS?

Yes, you can make a medical negligence claim against the NHS. Suing the NHS for negligence is not unusual. People sue the NHS for compensation for medical negligence and receive the money they deserve for the negligent treatment. 

There are between 8,000 and 10,000 successful medical negligence claims against the NHS each year—amounts in compensation claims awarded against the NHS range from £1000 to over £10 million. 

The amount of compensation you receive covers minor injuries such as scarring and serious life-threatening negligence, which leaves you with long-term care needs. 

We trust in and use the NHS daily and do not expect negligence. It happens, though, and the NHS has a dedicated team to handle medical negligence compensation claims, called NHS resolution. 

NHS Resolution has a responsibility to treat patients who seek compensation fairly. Patients pay for the NHS through their taxes; they deserve respect and the best medical treatment.

Contact The Medical Negligence Team

Contact the Medical Negligence Team today to discuss your fatal pharmacy negligence claim for compensation. We have both the legal and medical experts to guide you along the steps to a successful medical negligence claim for compensation. 

At the Medical Negligence Team, we fight every compensation claim on a No Win No Fee basis. You will not be out of pocket for an unsuccessful claim. 

We have a very high success rate and a reputation for a speedy and successful resolution to all medical negligence cases. 

Our 100% Compensation Guarantee puts all the money you win into your pocket. You or your loved one suffered a fatal pharmacy negligence and deserve every penny of the compensation claim. 

Contact us at the Medical Negligence Team for all your medical negligence needs.

speak to a medical negligence expert today