Medication Errors & Abuse

Nursing Home Drug Dispensing Errors

Attorneys at Branch Law Firm® in New Mexico are devoted to protecting the rights of seniors in assisted living facilities and nursing homes and those who receive home healthcare. As medical malpractice lawyers we find that vulnerable adults are often victims of negligence or pharmaceutical abuse on the part of nurses, pharmacists, and nursing home administrators. If you suspect a friend or family member was injured by a drug dispensing error, is the victim of overmedication, or is failing to receive prescribed medications you should take protective measures.

If you are concerned that a vulnerable adult has been injured by a drug dispensing error or other pharmaceutical malpractice contact a lawyer today to arrange a free consultation at our Albuquerque, New Mexico, office.

Causes of prescription drug errors

Prescription drug errors such as overdoses, dispensing the wrong drug, failure to anticipate drug interaction, and failure to administer prescribed medication, result from a variety of factors. When preparing a case involving a prescription drug injury our attorneys will investigate evidence pointing to pharmaceutical negligence on the part of the pharmacist, see if the staff member dispensing the drugs has, under New Mexico and federal standards, the qualifications to administer the medication, and the lawyers will look for evidence that understaffing led to the error.

Use of drugs for the convenience of staff, not the welfare of patients

Studies have shown that most nursing home patients are being given sedatives or psychotropic drugs (anti-psychotics). Mental health problems are common among the elderly, but there is evidence that in many cases these drugs are given for the convenience of nursing home staff without first fully exploring possible medical treatment or environmental changes that might improve the patients' function. Meanwhile, as patients suffer from unnecessary or over-sedation and the side effects of psychotropic drugs, other patients who would benefit from anti-depressants are ignored or the symptoms of depression are dismissed as normal in seniors.

The best protection against elder abuse and neglect is to have a patient advocate who monitors the patient's condition, insists on explanations, and has the authority to review patient records. If you suspect someone is the victim of a drug dispensing error, is subject to over-medication or unnecessary sedation, or whose need for anti-depressants is being ignored, you should take action. We will explain what measures you can and should take.

Call 1-800-828-4529 or e-mail an Albuquerque, New Mexico, lawyer for a free consultation.