Some medications are classified as controlled substances because of the effects their chemicals have upon the body and brain. If used correctly, these drugs can effectively help individuals who are suffering. However, if used incorrectly, these same medications can become very dangerous to the user.
If a physician fails to properly consider all factors when prescribing medication, the result can be disastrous to the patient in the form of complications, permanent health damage or even death. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated 1 million emergency room visits each year are due to an adverse drug event, or ADE. In addition, over 3.5 million doctor visits yearly stem from the same cause. Some estimates show that preventable medicine errors affect over 7 million people annually at a cost of nearly $21 billion.
Further statistics reveal that when patients are dismissed from the hospital, about 30 percent of them have a discrepancy on their discharge medication reconciliation. ADEs and medicine errors go seriously underreported while negatively affecting patients, health providers, and the nation’s economy.
If you have suffered through a medication error at the hands of a Georgia medical professional, you may qualify to receive compensation for your medical expenses and your pain and suffering. Let our team of experienced legal professionals at The Eichholz Law Firm give you the help you need to file your medication error lawsuit.