Medications play a vital role in recovery, managing chronic conditions, and even saving lives. However, when errors occur in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications, the consequences can be devastating.

In Chicago, victims of medication errors have the right to seek justice and hold those responsible accountable. At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, our experienced medical malpractice lawyers are dedicated to representing individuals affected by medication errors. As a leading Chicago medication error law firm, our team is committed to fighting for the justice and compensation that victims and their families deserve when medical negligence causes harm.

Call (800) 985-1819 to schedule a free case consultation today.

chicago medication error lawyer

Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates has deep roots in Chicago

Our Chicago medical malpractice lawyers have over 100 years of experience helping victims of medication errors and other forms of medical negligence.

Over the decades, our lawyers have appeared in Chicago’s various civil courts, including the Daley Center and other Cook County courts, giving us valuable insight into how local judges and court staff operate. This familiarity allows us to tailor our approach to your case and increase your chances of a favorable outcome. With deep roots in Chicago, our firm’s local knowledge provides an edge when fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Your rights as a patient in Chicago

Right to informed consent – Patients must be fully informed about the medications they are prescribed, including the purpose, potential benefits, risks, side effects, and alternatives. Healthcare providers must explain this information clearly before the patient consents to taking the medication.
Right to privacy and confidentiality – Information about a patient’s medications, including prescriptions, must be kept confidential under HIPAA. Healthcare providers cannot share details about a patient’s medications without explicit consent, except in certain legal or emergency situations.
Right to access medical records – Patients have the right to access their medical records, which include documentation of medications prescribed, dosage information, and any changes made to their medication regimen. This ensures transparency and allows patients to monitor their treatment.
Right to refuse treatment – Patients have the right to refuse any medication prescribed to them, even after being informed of the risks and benefits. Healthcare providers must respect the patient’s decision not to take a particular drug or treatment.
Right to be treated with dignity and respect – This includes receiving appropriate care when it comes to medications. Patients should not be coerced into taking medications they don’t want, and their choices regarding medication should be respected.
Right to pain management – Patients have the right to receive adequate pain management, which often involves medications. Healthcare providers are required to assess a patient’s pain and offer suitable medication options, while keeping the patient informed about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects.
Right to make complaints and file grievances – If a patient experiences a medication error—such as being prescribed the wrong drug, an incorrect dosage, or not being informed about potential side effects—they have the right to file a complaint with the healthcare provider or relevant authorities like the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Right to participate in medical decisions – Patients have the right to participate in decisions regarding their medication regimen, including discussing alternatives, potential side effects, and the impact of the medications on their condition. They can ask questions and express concerns about their medications before proceeding.

 

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Our strong commitment to our clients is reflected in our outcomes

At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we take pride in providing compassionate and dedicated legal representation for individuals and families affected by medication errors. Here are some testimonials from clients who’ve trusted us to handle their cases.

★★★★★

“I am very satisfied with the great deal of time and effort spent toward obtaining an adequate and very reasonable settlement. Mark Weissburg and Anna Aaker are true professionals.”

  • Anonymous
★★★★★

“My attorneys and lawyers did everything for me. They explained things to me, they made me feel confident in my case and where it was going. I’ve referred people to Horwitz, they do all the work for you. I think Horwitz & Horwitz feels like family. They’re great at getting back to you the same day you call. No matter if you call and you’re angry, or you call and you’re depressed, or panicking because of something – they always made me feel comfortable. I feel like they always were fighting for me.”

  • Michelle
★★★★★

“I have been totally satisfied with my experience so far with Horwitz, Horwitz and Associates. I had run into a couple of problems with the insurance company but Cassandra and Dan were always quick to fix the problem. I had so many questions and concerns and Mitch was great with getting back to me with answers. I would highly recommend Horwitz, Horwitz and Associates to anyone that needs representation.”

  • Anonymous

Medication errors are serious and require help from a skilled lawyer

Medical mistakes are the third leading cause of fatalities in the U.S. One type of medical mistake involves medication errors. A medication error occurs when a healthcare professional makes a mistake in prescribing, dispensing, or administering a medication. These errors can happen at various stages, from when a doctor writes a prescription to when you take the medication.

Common types of medication errors include:

  • Prescribing the wrong medication
  • Incorrect dosage
  • Failure to recognize drug interactions
  • Administering the medication incorrectly
  • Labeling and packaging errors
  • Failure to provide adequate instructions

Medication errors are particularly dangerous because they may not be immediately apparent. You might not realize that you’ve been given the wrong medication or the wrong dosage until you begin to experience harmful side effects or worsening symptoms.

Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates handles all types of medication errors in Chicago

Understanding the type of medication error involved in a case is crucial for determining liability. Here are some common types of medication errors handled by our Chicago lawyers.

Prescription errors

Prescription errors occur when a doctor prescribes the wrong drug or dosage. These errors can be caused by:

  • Misdiagnosing a condition
  • Overlooking existing medications that could cause dangerous interactions
  • Ignoring factors like allergies, age, weight, or organ function
  • Incomplete or inaccurate medical records
  • Prescribing drugs that have been withdrawn from the market for safety reasons

Dispensing errors

Dispensing errors happen when a pharmacist or healthcare professional gives the wrong medication, dosage, or instructions. Examples include:

  • Providing the wrong drug due to similar-sounding names
  • Incorrect dosage instructions or failure to warn about side effects
  • Mixing up medications with another patient’s
  • Failing to check for harmful drug interactions

Administration errors

Administration errors occur when medication is administered incorrectly in hospitals, nursing homes, or home healthcare settings. Common issues include:

  • Administering the wrong drug to the wrong patient
  • Giving the wrong dose or administering the drug at the wrong time
  • Using an incorrect method to administer the drug
  • Failing to monitor for side effects or allergic reactions after administering the medication

Monitoring errors

Even after correct prescribing and administration, healthcare professionals must monitor patients for adverse reactions or lack of improvement. Monitoring errors can happen when providers fail to recognize or respond to negative side effects, allowing harmful or ineffective medication use to continue.

Medication errors have severe consequences

Medication errors can have devastating consequences for patients and their families. Depending on the type and severity of the error, you may experience:

  • Allergic reactions – You may have severe allergies to certain medications, and receiving the wrong drug can result in life-threatening anaphylaxis.
  • Organ damage – Medications can affect the liver, kidneys, and other organs. Receiving too much of a drug, or the wrong drug, can cause permanent damage to these vital organs.
  • Chronic pain or disability – Medication errors may result in long-term health complications that leave you unable to work or enjoy your previous quality of life.
  • Mental and emotional distress – In addition to physical injuries, you may experience significant mental and emotional distress. You may struggle with anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) because of your experience.
  • Death – In the most tragic cases, medication errors can be fatal. Families who lose a loved one to a medication error may have grounds for a wrongful death claim.

We’re here to help you recover maximum compensation

If you or a loved one have been harmed by a medication error, it’s crucial to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. Illinois laws surrounding medical malpractice are complex, and navigating them without experienced representation can be overwhelming. By reaching out to our skilled medication error lawyers early, you increase your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.

Don’t wait – if a medication error has affected you or someone you care about, contact us today at (888) 970-985-1819 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Chicago medication error attorneys. We’re here to guide you through the legal process and hold those responsible for your injuries accountable.

Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates answers your FAQs

Why do medication errors occur?

Medication errors can arise from various causes, often linked to systemic issues in healthcare settings. These errors may result from miscommunication, inadequate training, overworked staff, and other factors that compromise patient safety. At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, our Chicago medication error lawyers handle a wide range of cases, including those stemming from the following common causes and types of errors.

  • Miscommunication – Poor communication between doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, such as illegible handwriting or unclear instructions, can lead to incorrect prescriptions.
  • Inadequate training – Insufficiently trained healthcare staff may be unfamiliar with medication risks, increasing the likelihood of mistakes.
  • Distractions and multitasking – In busy healthcare settings, professionals juggling multiple tasks may become distracted, resulting in medication errors.
  • Fatigue and burnout – Long shifts and stressful environments can impair a healthcare professional’s focus and decision-making, leading to mistakes.
  • Computer and system errors – Electronic medical records and automated systems can fail due to software glitches or user errors, contributing to medication errors.
  • Overworked staff – When healthcare facilities are understaffed, rushed professionals may overlook critical details, leading to higher risks of medication mistakes.

Who could be liable for my medication error?

Medication errors can involve multiple parties, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, hospitals, and even drug manufacturers. In some cases, more than one party may be responsible for the error. We’ll carefully examine all aspects of your case to determine who’s liable for your injuries.

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What types of compensation can I recover?

In a medication error case, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If a loved one has died due to a medication error, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

You have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases in Illinois is generally two years from the date you knew or should have known about the injury. However, certain exceptions may apply, and it’s important to consult with our attorneys as soon as possible to ensure your case is filed within the appropriate timeframe.

Local resources for Chicago medication error victims

Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates

  • 25 E. Washington Street, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60602
  • (800) 985-1819

Illinois Department of Public Health

  • 122 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603
  • (312) 814-2793

You can report medication errors to the state health department. They may investigate the incident and take corrective action.

The Joint Commission

  • 1 Renaissance Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
  • (630) 268-7400

If you believe a healthcare provider has violated their standards, you can file a complaint with this non-profit organization that accredits healthcare organizations.