When you take your child to the doctor, you expect their pediatrician to treat their condition and help your child recover from whatever they’re experiencing quickly. When the pediatrician prescribes medications to treat your child’s symptoms, you’re trusting that the doctor knows what they’re doing. Though most physicians prescribe medications that are safe for your child, mistakes can happen. If you believe your child suffered harm from a medication error, you may be able to file a lawsuit with help from a Pennsylvania pediatric medication error attorney.
What Counts as a Medication Error?
Medication errors are preventable mistakes made in the prescription of or administration of a medication by a medical care provider or pharmacist. These errors can take on many forms, including the following:
- Prescribing the wrong medication to your child
- Prescribing a dose that’s too high or too low for your child
- Prescribing medications that interact with other medicines your child is currently taking
- Recommending incorrect administration methods
- Administering the medication incorrectly in a medical care facility
To be considered a medication error, the mistake must be preventable. If you’re unsure if your child’s doctor made a medication error, consider speaking with a Pennsylvania pediatric medication error attorney. They’ll be able to review your situation and help you decide if you have a medical malpractice case against the prescribing doctor or pharmacist.
Signs You May Have a Case
Every case is unique, but ultimately, if you believe your child’s pediatrician prescribed a medication in error that caused your child to suffer needlessly, you may have a medication error case and may be able to sue them for damages.
If your child experienced complications related to the medication or you received a second opinion from a physician who believes the medication was prescribed in a way that caused harm to your child, speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
What to Do if You Think You Have a Case
If you believe your child’s doctor prescribed a medication that resulted in a medication error, filing a lawsuit can help you get the money you need to aid your child’s recovery. However, there are a few things you’ll want to do to create the strongest case possible. This includes the following:
- Speak with another doctor: Ideally, you should seek medical care for your child as soon as you realize that the medication is causing harm. Schedule an appointment with another pediatrician and get a second opinion about the medication. Ask if they believe the medication your child’s original doctor prescribed was appropriate and if they have any concerns about the medication as it was prescribed.
- Get notes from the original appointment: Doctors are required to provide you with appointment notes upon request. Ask your child’s pediatrician for their notes from the appointment during which they prescribed the medication.
- Keep the prescription bottle and administration notes: The more evidence you can present during your case, the better. Try to keep the prescription bottle and any administration or dosage instructions included.
- Speak with a Pennsylvania pediatric medication error attorney: To file a lawsuit against the prescribing doctor or pharmacist, you’ll need to work with an experienced medication error lawyer. Schedule a consultation as soon as possible.
Let Latona Law Help With Your Case
Watching your child suffer for any reason is something no parent ever wants to experience. But if your child’s pediatrician provided them with a medication that caused undue pain and suffering, you may be able to hold them accountable for their actions. At Latona Law, our team has more than 30 years of experience helping individuals and families with a variety of medical malpractice claims, including pediatric medication errors. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.