Prescription Error Compensation Claims
If you’ve been issued an incorrect prescription, or one with inaccurate instructions such as the level of dosage, you could suffer serious consequences. As a result, you may be entitled to claim for compensation if you’ve suffered an injury, illness or complications to an existing condition.
We can provide the professional legal advice you need and we always aim to make the process as clear and simple as possible for you. Our specialist team provides expert legal advice in different languages to clients who have been involved in medical negligence claims, including prescription errors. They operate on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning that you won’t pay any fees unless your case is successful.
How can prescription errors arise?
Errors with medication are actually very common in the UK, with millions of incorrect prescriptions issued annually. Thankfully it’s rare for there to be catastrophic outcomes and it’s estimated that over 70% of them are medically insignificant and therefore relatively harmless.
Medicines are prescribed by a GP or hospital doctor, before being dispensed by a pharmacy. At each of these two steps there is potential for an error:
- Prescription errors – this could mean giving the wrong drug or dosage; failing to check for allergies or clashes with your existing medicine, or issuing a repeat prescription without a routine check-up
- Dispensing errors – this could mean handing out medicine to the wrong person; labelling it inaccurately, or selecting the wrong dosage.
Regardless of who is to blame for the error, it won’t be your fault if you receive the wrong prescription. However, you will be the one that is affected by any negative consequences.
How much compensation might I receive for a prescription error?
The amount of compensation you receive very much depends on your specific circumstances. That’s why we recommend that you get in touch with us promptly so that we can discuss the details of your case with you. The nature and severity of any health problems you suffer in the short and long-term will be the main considerations.
You may be able to claim for the following if they are a direct result of your injuries:
- Compensation for distress and upheaval
- Loss of earnings and financial losses incurred
- Medical costs, prescription fees, care and rehabilitation costs
- Adaptations to your home or vehicle
- Damage to your property
- Travel expenses incurred
We can help you assess your future needs and work with you to agree the level of compensation that you may be entitled to as a result of the error with your prescription.
Do I have a valid claim for compensation?
If you can answer yes to all three of the following questions, we recommend that you contact us to discuss your circumstances further:
- Was the incident within the last three years?
- Was someone else to blame for the incident?
- Were you injured as a result of the incident?
Answering ‘yes’ to all three doesn’t mean that a successful claim is certain. However, these questions are key to the claims process. Answering yes to all three does indicate that you have a greater chance of being entitled to claim. Getting prompt, specialist legal advice could be beneficial.
Because of the three-year time limit, it’s important that you contact us promptly so that we can start the process for you.
How do I begin a compensation claim for a prescription error?
Call us on 0208 1111 911 or contact us through the website and we’ll discuss your circumstances with you. The first call typically takes about 15 minutes and in that time we can usually determine whether or not it’s realistic to pursue a claim for compensation.
