Prescription errors are medical negligence. When a GP or pharmacy make prescribing errors and you suffer the side effects , you may have a medical negligence claim.

Making a medical negligence claim for compensation is your right when you suffer a prescription error, such as the effects of an abrupt stop of the medication you should have received. Specialist medical negligence solicitors make your compensation claim and get you the money you deserve for the clinical negligence.

Medical negligence experts, like the Medical Negligence Team, are the only ones to handle your medical negligence claims.

Are you eligible for compensation?

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

  • Take our online assessment & speak with our team

  • Our team of doctors will undertake a full medical review based on your medical records

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

All case reviews are 100% cost and commitment free.

What is a prescription error?

A prescription error is when the GP or pharmacy gives you the wrong drug, incorrect dosage instructions or the wrong person’s medication. You may suffer drug interactions and adverse drug reactions due to prescribing errors by the GP or hospital doctor.

When the medication errors occur at the GP clinic, it is doctor negligence. If the medication errors happen at the pharmacy, it is pharmacy negligence.

All prescribing errors result in patient safety being compromised and health care professionals must avoid any potential patient harm.

What are the types of prescription errors that can occur?

The types of prescription errors that can occur include:

  • Incorrect medication errors
  • Incorrect dosage errors
  • Wrong persons medication

Each type of prescription error is different, but they are all medical negligence claims.

Incorrect medication errors

Incorrect medication errors are when you receive the wrong medication from the pharmacy. Instead of giving you a medicine on your prescription, they give you one with a similar sounding name. The wrong medication will most likely have been stored in the same drawer or in one of the automated medication dispensing systems in use.

Rather than getting quinine sulphate for leg cramps you may incorrectly be given quetiapine which is for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Instead of preventing medication errors the pharmacist gives you a medication you were not prescribed and a prescription error occurs.

Prescription error claims have a number of common elements which lull patients into a false sense of security.

Incorrect medication claim

Firstly, the box will have written on it your name and your correct medication and dose on it. Secondly, there will be two pharmacists initials on the box which is a safety check which makes you think you have been given the correct medication.

This means that people will rarely check the medication box itself as generic medications are changing all the time so the box colour and packaging is constantly changing and they also trust that the pharmacy has double checked the box label to the box itself.

Getting the wrong prescription at the Pharmacy

Getting the wrong prescription at the pharmacy happens when instead of you receiving the medications on your prescription, you get those of someone completely different..

You will often get the medication bag next to yours and the name will often be the same surname or similar name. You end up taking medication which is not your own but someone else’s altogether. You lose the benefit you get from your normal medications or don’t get the benefit of a one-off prescription and you get completely different incorrect medication which is a prescription error.

Repeat prescription Errors

Repeat prescription errors also happen at the GP and pharmacy. The GP may change your prescription, but at the pharmacy, they issue the old prescription, giving you the wrong medication or the wrong dose of medication..

You may become ill or it may make an existing condition worse by taking the wrong medicines.

Repeat prescription errors by the GP

Repeat prescription errors by the GP are when they issue you a repeat prescription, without checking your medical health. Medication errors happen a lot with repeat prescriptions.

For example you may receive a repeat prescription but the doctor may continue to prescribe the medication beyond when it is needed or beyond when it is safe to do so. For example steroid medication prescribed inappropriately over an extended period can have a catastrophic impact on someone’s long term health.

Incorrect dosage errors

Incorrect dosage errors are when the GP or pharmacy gives you too much or too little of your medications. A consultant may want to increase your dose but the doctor inadvertently stops or reduces the medication dose.

You can claim compensation for the prescription errors through a medical negligence claim.

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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.

Wrong persons medication errors

Wrong persons medication errors are when the pharmacist gives you medication meant for another client. It is pharmacy negligence that should never happen, but it does.

You may be receiving medical treatment for one condition, but the pharmacy gives you the medicine for another.

Your existing condition will not improve, and you will likely have problems from receiving the wrong person’s medication as you are taking medication which has not been prescribed to you.

What are the potential effects of medication errors?

The potential effects of medication errors include pain, suffering, a worsening of your condition, serious illness, severe side effects and even hospitalisation.

Incorrect prescription errors are a common cause of successful medical negligence claims. The potential effects of the incorrect treatment of taking the wrong medication are seen in hospital visits and even going to A&E in an emergency.

Taking an incorrect medicine

Taking an incorrect medicine means your original condition will not improve. It could take months for you to get back on the right track with your medicines.

Getting off the wrong medication can take time, and you could experience serious withdrawal and side effects.

How long does it take for signs of medication errors to appear

Yes, it can take time for the signs of medication errors to appear due to the way a medicine works. Even when the mistake is realised, it will take time for your correct medication to start working again.

Sometimes it can take weeks or months to get back to where you were before the prescri[tion error and pharmacy negligence. During this time, you will have been ill and possibly have lost earnings due to being unable to work.

You can claim pharmacy negligence compensation for these losses.

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.

Who is at fault for a prescription error?

The GP or the pharmacy is at fault for a prescription error. Medical negligence claims only come from medical professionals not doing their job properly.

A pharmacist tries to reduce medication errors and improve patient safety but could still make a prescription error.

Medical negligence experts will look at your medical errors claim and see who is at fault.

We fight for our clients!

“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

“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 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 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 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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

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

Mr G.P. , South Yorkshire

“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

“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

How can prescription errors be avoided?

Prescription errors can be avoided by the pharmacy operating the two pharmacist rule. Also known as the pharmacist buddy system, it 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 medicines and ensure you get what is on the prescription.

GP prescription errors

GP prescription errors can be avoided when they double-check your prescription. The GP can avoid medical negligence by reviewing the prescription thoroughly before giving it to you.

The GP must read your medical records before writing your prescription or when you order a repeat prescription.

Medical negligence claims are easy to avoid when medical professionals do their work correctly.

You can claim compensation for the medical negligence

You can claim compensation for the medical negligence, and a medical negligence lawyer will handle the case for you.

When the GP or pharmacy does not do their work properly you follow the steps to make a negligence claim.

What are the steps involved when making a prescription error claim?

The steps involved when making a prescription error claim are a part of any successful medical negligence claim. Your medical negligence solicitors will do the rest when you follow them correctly and get all the facts and figures together.

Step 1: Seek medical advice

Seek medical advice on the injuries you have suffered or are suffering with immediately you realise you experienced medical negligence.

Step 2: Contact a specialist medical negligence solicitor

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

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

You are the one who suffered medication error negligence, and you should get all the money due for the suffering.

Step 3: Your medical negligence solicitors obtain your medical records

Your medical negligence solicitors obtain your medical records with your permission. By reading your records, they will confirm if they think you have a valid medical negligence case.

The Medical Negligence Team will know from reading your medical records if the case will result in negligence compensation being paid.

Step 4: The medical negligence solicitor sending a letter of claim to the negligent party

The medical negligence solicitor sending a letter of claim to the negligent party is the next step. The letter will ask them to admit 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.

Step 5: Getting a response from the negligent party’s insurer

Getting a response from the negligent party’s insurer will move your 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 to ‘deny liability’ in legal terms.

If they admit liability, your medical negligence claim can be valued.

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

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

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.

Step 6: Issuing court proceedings

Issuing court proceedings is the next step if they deny liability in your medical negligence case. Going to court happens, too, when they are not prepared to pay a fair amount for the injuries you have suffered.

Your medical negligence solicitor issues the court proceedings.

Remember that less than 1% of medical negligence cases end up in court.

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.

Expert medical negligence solicitors

Expert medical negligence solicitors are best for personal injury claims. They will know the steps to take when making a compensation claim and know how much compensation to expect.

Always use a firm approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority when fighting a medical negligence case.

Medical negligence claims

Medical negligence claims come from the GP or pharmacist not doing their job properly. Medical negligence lawyers will read your medical records and see where the negligent care happened.

You can claim compensation for the medication errors when healthcare professionals do not provide service at an acceptable level.

Using a No Win No Fee solicitor

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

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 surgical negligence, and you deserve the compensation to get your life back to normal.

How long do I have to make a prescription error claim?

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

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

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

Contact us

Contact us at Medical Negligence Team if you need to sue for medical negligence. People claim compensation when they suffer prescription errors at their pharmacy or GP.

We will know how much compensation you can expect from a medical negligence claim. Our expert medical negligence services will provide you with specialist legal advice at every step of your compensation claim.

Always use a No Win No Fee medical negligence solicitor. At the Medical Negligence Team, we operate a 100% Compensation Guarantee, along with the No Win No Fee agreement, so you will get every penny of the money awarded.

We are very successful at what we do so you will receive all the prescription error compensation quickly.

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