Washington DC Adverse Drug Events

All surgeries and invasive medical procedures involve some level of risk, and almost all of them also involve the use of medication. From local or general anesthesia to pain relievers or blood thinners, medication is much a part of surgery as the tools doctors hold in their hands and the machines used to monitor vital signs and other important information.

But in a pressure-packed operating room where time is often of the essence, medication mistakes can happen, often with tragic results. The Washington DC adverse drug event lawyers at The Rich Firm, PC help individuals and families who have suffered because of medication mistakes, surgical errors, and medical malpractice.

What Is an Adverse Drug Event?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration defines an adverse drug event as “any undesirable experience associated with the use of a medical product in a patient.” Such adverse drug events and medication errors can lead to a wide range of short- and long-term health problems and complications, such as:

• Additional surgery
• Prolonged hospitalization
• Disability or permanent damage
• Congenital anomalies or birth defects
• Death

Sometimes, an adverse drug event is apparent immediately, with the body reacting suddenly and unexpectedly to the medication. In other cases, the harm done by the drug won’t become apparent until after the surgery is over. Either way, the health consequences can be catastrophic can be catastrophic.

There are many ways physicians and operating room personnel can make critical medication mistakes before, during, or after surgery, including:

• Labeling mistakes
• Incorrect dosage
• Failing to monitor and/or treat a problem indicated by the patient’s vital signs
• Failing to account for possible interactions with other drugs or patient allergies
• Documentation errors

A Widespread Problem

If you or a loved one has suffered an adverse drug event, you’re not alone. A 2015 Harvard Medical School study found that:

• Medication errors were observed in almost one out of every two surgical procedures.
• More than 1 in 20 (5%) medication administrations relating to surgery resulted in a medication error or an adverse drug event.
• 80% of the observed medication errors were determined to have been preventable.

Adverse Drug Events – How The Rich Firm, PC Can Help

At The Rich Firm, PC, several of our experienced Washington DC surgical error and adverse drug event attorneys are also licensed medical doctors. This rare blend of medical and legal training allows us to efficiently identify potential medical malpractice and surgical errors without the need for outside experts.

This can save our clients the delays and expenses normally associated with expert review of your medical malpractice case, and move you closer to obtaining the compensation you need to recover from your injuries.

Getting Legal Help with Your Adverse Drug Events

No one should have to suffer because of the negligence of those responsible for our care, health, and well-being. When that happens, The Rich Firm, PC’s medical malpractice, surgical error, and adverse drug event lawyers serving Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia stand ready to provide experienced and aggressive legal representation. Please give us a call at 888-RICH-LAW (742-4529) to set up your free consultation or contact us online. We look forward to assisting you.