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Medical Malpractice

Jury Awards Woman $755,000 in Emergency Room Medical Malpractice CasePosted on 5/16/2012
New Board Recommendations Important to Safety of Atlanta PatientsPosted on 5/9/2012
Are Georgia and U.S. Doctors Committing Medical Malpractice Online?Posted on 5/2/2012
Georgia and U.S. Nursing Homes’ Emergency Preparedness QuestionedPosted on 5/1/2012
Military Man Sues U.S. Government for Medical Malpractice DamagesPosted on 4/23/2012
“Doctors and Consumers Fight Unnecessary Testing”Posted on 4/18/2012
Could a New Diagnostic Tool Help Predict Heart Attacks and Save Lives?Posted on 4/9/2012
Important New Study Published on Most Common Childhood Leukemia, ALLPosted on 4/1/2012
Are Low Income Patients More Likely to Sue for Medical Malpractice?Posted on 3/19/2012
Are State Medical Boards Protecting the Public from Medical Malpractice?Posted on 3/9/2012

Preventing Medication-Related Errors

It is estimated that over 1.5 million Americans are harmed and several thousand killed by medication-related errors every year that can occur in the home, at the hospital, clinic, pharmacy, surgical center or nursing home. Despite the prevalence of this problem, there are some ways to safe-guard yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to medication errors.

List of Medications

Compile a list of all the medications you are taking and bring it along when you see your doctor. If there isn't enough time to make a list like this, bringing all of your medications with you is the next best thing.

Weight

Your weight can determine your dosage for certain medications. Make sure your physician weighs you every time you're at the doctor's office. If your weight has changed, don't hesitate to ask your doctor if any of your present medications' dosages should be changed according to your weight loss or gain.

Organ Function/Age

Sometimes, the functionality of your liver and kidneys can dictate the dosages for your medications. Ask your physician if your medications need to be adjusted according to the function of your kidneys and liver. In addition, your age can be a big factor - you may wish to bring that up with the physician as well.

Interacting Medications

Ask your doctor if any of your medications could be interacting in such a way that it negatively affects your health. For example, dietary products may reduce the effectiveness of some of your medications.

Allergies

Make sure your doctor tells you about any drugs that you absolutely have to avoid and remember to tell your doctor of any allergies you may have, as these may dictate what drugs you should be avoiding.

Multiple Names

It may be helpful to ask your doctor about any other names that are used for the medications you're taking. These can include generic or brand name alternatives.

Child Care

If your children require medication from a hospital, asking whether their medications are adjusted according to height and weight is a good idea. Learning what side-effects those medications could potentially cause may also be helpful. If the child is staying at a hospital, find out if there is a pediatric pharmacy that will be overseeing your child's medications.

Mixing Medications/Schedule

Though it may be more convenient, never mix different medications in a single pill bottle. The odds increase greatly of mixing up the medications when this is the case. Also, it may be helpful to make yourself a schedule so you always take your medications when you need to.

If you or a loved one feel you have been a victim of medical malpractice in Georgia, please request one of the Dover Law Firm's several free resources on medical malpractice, including our free book, Why Did This Critical Medical Error Happen to Me?. Also, be sure to contact an experienced Atlanta medical malpractice attorney at the Dover Law Firm at 770-518-1133 or go to our website and fill out our online contact form to schedule a no-charge consultation to discuss your legal options.

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