Medication errors can arise in hospitals, GP practices, pharmacies, and care settings. While many errors are identified early and corrected without harm, some result in significant, avoidable injury with lasting consequences.
This blog focuses on serious cases where substandard care has caused meaningful harm.
What is a medication mistake?
A medication mistake is an error in prescribing, dispensing, preparing, administering, or monitoring medication.
However, not every error gives rise to a viable legal claim. In many cases, recognised risks such as known side effects, complex drug interactions, or unavoidable clinical judgments may occur despite appropriate care being provided.
Examples of potentially serious medication negligence
Claims are more likely to arise where there has been a clear and avoidable failure in care, such as:
- Prescribing or administering the wrong medication or incorrect strength, leading to significant injury
- Failing to check known allergies or clearly documented contraindications
- Serious errors in dosage or method of administration, for example injecting medication into the wrong route such as into a view instead of a muscle.
- Ignoring or failing to act on clear signs of toxicity or adverse reaction
- Continuing medication despite clear clinical indicators it should be stopped or reviewed
What harm can injection errors cause?
The impact of an injection error can vary depending on the circumstances, but may include:
- Nerve damage or persistent pain
- Infection or sepsis
- Allergic reactions
- Delayed recovery
- Emotional distress
In more serious cases, the consequences can be life-changing.
When can you bring a claim?
To pursue a clinical negligence claim, it is not just sufficient to show that a mistake occurred. You must demonstrate that you received care that fell below a reasonable standard and that failure caused the harm suffered.
Importantly, claims are less likely to succeed where:
- The outcome reflects a recognised risk of treatment that was properly explained and managed
- The error did not cause meaningful or lasting harm
- The situation involved reasonable clinical judgment in a complex scenario
What should you do if you believe you have suffered serious harm?
If you have experienced substantial injury as a result of a possible medication error:
- Seek appropriate medical attention promptly
- Keep a clear and detailed record of events
- Retain prescriptions, packaging, and correspondence where possible
Our approach
Early specialist advice is essential in determining whether your case meets the legal threshold for a clinical negligence claim.
We regularly act for clients who have suffered serious, life-changing harm as a result of medication errors. Our experienced team will assess your case carefully and provide clear, pragmatic advice on its merits at the earliest opportunity, enabling you to make an informed decision about whether to pursue a claim.
Where a claim is unlikely to succeed, we will tell you this honestly and at the outset, giving you clarity and allowing you to move forward with confidence.
At Nelsons, our dedicated clinical negligence specialists combine extensive expertise with a supportive, professional approach, ensuring that you feel guided and reassured throughout what can be a very difficult time.
How we can help
Helen Wilkinson is a Paralegal in our expert Medical Negligence team, which has been ranked in tier one by the independently researched publication, The Legal 500.
Nelsons have an experienced clinical negligence team who have significant experience in representing clients with claims arising from delays in the Emergency Department. If you have any questions in relation to the subjects discussed in this article, then please get in touch with Helen or another member of the team in Derby, Leicester, or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.
contact usIf this article relates to a specific case/cases, please note that the facts of this case/cases are correct at the time of writing.