Medication Errors

What Are Medication Errors?

Medication errors happen when healthcare professionals make mistakes with prescriptions or drug administration. This can include:

Pharmacists misreading or incorrectly filling prescriptions
Doctors prescribing the wrong medication or dose
Failing to check medical histories or drug interactions
Combining medications that should not be taken together

These errors can occur in NHS or private healthcare settings, including hospitals, care homes, and GP surgeries.

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Types of Medication Errors

Medication errors can take several forms, all of which may cause serious harm. Common types include:

Prescription Errors:

When the wrong medication or dosage is prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Dispensing Errors:

Mistakes made by pharmacists, such as giving the incorrect medicine or mislabelling.

Administration Errors:

When medication is given incorrectly, for example, at the wrong time, in the wrong dose, or by the wrong method.

Omission Errors:

Failing to give a prescribed medication when it should have been administered.

Incorrect Drug Interactions:

Prescribing or administering drugs that negatively interact with each other or with existing medications.

Failure to Check Medical History:

Not considering allergies, previous reactions, or other health conditions before prescribing or dispensing medication.

Each type of error can have different consequences, but all may lead to harm that could have been avoided with proper care.

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How a Medication Error Claim Can Help

Making a claim is about securing the support and compensation you need to recover and rebuild. While NHS care usually covers treatment costs, compensation can assist with:

Additional Medical Expenses

Costs for private treatments, rehabilitation, or therapies not covered by the NHS.

Loss of Earnings

Compensation can help replace income lost due to illness or recovery time.

Care and Rehabilitation

Funds for essential therapies such as physiotherapy or counselling.

Home and Mobility Support

Adaptations and equipment needed for ongoing care.

Pain and Suffering

Reflecting the physical and emotional impact of the error on you and your family.

How to Make a Medication Error Claim

Bringing a claim involves several steps to help you access the compensation you deserve:

Seek Medical Attention

Prioritise your health and keep detailed records of treatments and diagnoses.

Gather Evidence

Collect medical records, prescriptions, and any other documents that show how the error happened.

Consult a Medical Negligence Solicitor

Our specialist team at CEL Solicitors will provide clear advice and support throughout your claim.

Initial Consultation

We’ll assess your case, explain your legal rights, and outline potential outcomes.

Claim Filing

We’ll prepare and file the necessary documents to formally start your claim, detailing the impact on your life.

Negotiation and Settlement

Most claims settle out of court; we negotiate on your behalf for a fair resolution.

Court Proceedings

If needed, we’ll guide you through court and instruct barristers to represent you.

We’ve already helped thousands of people across the UK.

Speak to our friendly team today. You are not alone, and you may have a case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions, answered.

What is medical negligence?

Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare professional fails to meet the expected standard of care, leading to harm. This can include incorrect or delayed diagnoses, inappropriate medication durations, or errors during medical procedures. If the care provided falls below the standard and results in worsening your condition or injury, it may constitute medical negligence.

Can I access my medical records?

Yes, you have the right to access your medical records. You can request them from any medical institution you have visited, including your GP, hospitals, and other care providers. This is important for reviewing your treatment and supporting your claim.

Can I make a claim on behalf of someone else?

Yes, you can make a claim on behalf of someone else if you are a family member or carer. This is possible if the person is under 18, lacks the capacity to make a claim, or has died due to the negligent treatment.

Do I need to make a formal complaint before making a claim?

No, a formal complaint is not required before filing a claim. However, if you have already complained, we will need to review the response. If you wish to make a complaint, follow the process outlined by the medical institution or consult NHS Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS) if applicable.

How can I fund my medical negligence claim?

You can fund your claim through various methods: a no-win, no-fee agreement, private funding, or legal expenses insurance. We will discuss these options with you to find the most suitable method for your case.

How can I prove medical negligence?

To prove medical negligence, you need to show that the healthcare professional owed you a duty of care, failed in that duty, and that this failure caused you harm. You must also demonstrate that this harm led to physical injury, psychological trauma, or financial loss, such as lost earnings. Expert medical evidence is often required to support these claims.

What compensation will I receive?

Compensation in medical negligence cases generally includes general damages for the injury itself and special damages for financial losses such as lost earnings, additional medical costs, and care expenses. We will assess your losses and advise you on the potential compensation you may receive.

What is the time limit to make a claim?

Generally, you must start your claim within three years of the incident or from when you discovered the injury. For children, the three-year period begins when they turn 18. If the affected person lacks the capacity to make decisions, the limit starts when they regain that capacity. Claims under the Human Rights Act must be made within one year. Acting quickly is advisable to ensure evidence and witness recollections are preserved.

Can I still claim if I was treated by the NHS?

Yes. You can make a claim for medical negligence even if your care was provided by the NHS. NHS staff have a duty of care to their patients, and if that duty is breached and causes harm, you may be able to seek compensation.

What is a never event?

A “never event” is a serious medical mistake that should never happen if proper care is followed. This includes things like diagnosing the wrong illness, delays that lead to serious harm, or failing to act on test results. These incidents are considered entirely avoidable and often involve serious consequences for the patient.