Medical Malpractice - Medication Errors

“I have been there so many times before and NOW I will be there for YOU and your family.”
- Tim Misny - The man that “Makes Them Pay!®”

“Please understand that the slogan, I’ll Make Them Pay!® is not a guarantee of payment. Both liability and real damages must be proven with preponderance of the evidence.” – Tim Misny

Medication Errors

Medication Error Malpractice

 

Medication Errors

Medication errors are a growing problem in the United States. 7,000-9,000 people die every year as the result of medication mistakes. In fact, more people die annually from medication errors than some cancers. Even more frightening is the reality that one in five doses of medication is made in error. Medication touches each and every one of us in one way or another.

You or someone you love is put at risk every day because of the following types of medication errors:

 

Negative drug interactions

Negative drug interactions occur when two or more drugs interact in a way that alters their intended effects. When a doctor or pharmacist fails to recognize this circumstance, it can lead to potentially harmful outcomes. Here are several examples of side effects that patients may suffer as a result of a negative drug interaction:

  1. Pharmacodynamic interactions: In this type of interaction, one drug affects the sensitivity or responsiveness of tissues to another drug. For example, one drug may enhance or block the action of another drug at the receptor level. This can lead to side effects such as increased sedation, decreased efficacy, or exaggerated therapeutic effects.

  2. Pharmacokinetic interactions: These interactions occur when one drug affects the absorption, distribution, metabolism, or elimination of another drug. This can inhibit or induce specific enzymes responsible for drug metabolism in the liver, altering the concentration of the affected drug in the body. These drug interactions can affect drug absorption, leading to decreased or delayed effects.

  3. Drug-food/beverage interactions: Some drugs can interact with certain foods or beverages, affecting their absorption, metabolism, or overall effectiveness. Drinking alcohol while taking certain medications can intensify sedative effects, impair judgment, or cause adverse reactions. Grapefruit juice is known to inhibit specific enzymes responsible for drug metabolism, potentially leading to higher drug concentrations and increased side effects.

The side effects a patient may suffer from a negative drug interaction depend on the specific drugs involved, their mechanisms of action, and individual patient factors. This is why it is imperative for doctors and pharmacists to be informed of all other medications you are taking.

This form of medical negligence can be very dangerous, possibly life-altering. You need an experienced medical malpractice attorney if you plan to file a lawsuit. I have worked these cases for more than 40 years, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Dosage miscalculations

Dosage miscalculations are errors in determining or administering the correct dose of medication. Doctors, nurses, or even pharmacists can inaccurately determine the appropriate dosage. Controlling factors include patient weight, age, renal function, or specific medical conditions. In Cleveland, medical malpractice attorneys have seen this occur during prescription, dispensing, or administration of medication. Here are some potential side effects a patient may experience due to dosage miscalculations:

  1. Under-dosing: Administering a dose lower than necessary may result in inadequate therapeutic effects, or the medication being less effective in treatment. This can lead to a medical malpractice cases if incomplete symptom relief or treatment failure occurs.

  2. Overdosing: A dose that is higher than intended can result in medication toxicity or adverse effects. The severity of the side effects will depend on the specific medication involved. This medical error can lead to symptoms such as drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, gastrointestinal disturbances, organ damage, or even life-threatening complications.

  3. Increased risk of medication interactions: Incorrect dosages can affect the concentration of a medication in the body, potentially increasing the risk of harmful drug interactions.

  4. Development of drug resistance: In cases where suboptimal dosages are administered, there is a risk of the targeted pathogen developing resistance to the medication. This can make future treatment less effective and contribute to the spread of resistant strains. I recommend double checking with your doctor to ensure you’re taking the proper dosage of medication.

  5. Delayed or prolonged therapeutic response: Inaccurate dosing may result in delay of the healing process.

It is crucial for healthcare professionals to carefully calculate and prescribe accurate dosages based on individual patient factors. Patients must be actively involved in their own care. If patients are unable, family members must be. Providing accurate information about medical history, current medications, and adhering to prescribed dosages is very important.

In Cleveland, medical malpractice lawyers know that even with all pertinent information, medical professionals still make errors. If you have a medical malpractice case, call me anytime, day or night!

Lack of patient education

A patient may have a lack of education about prescribed medication due to various factors.

  1. Limited health literacy: Health literacy is an individual’s ability to obtain, process, and understand health information and services. We are not all well versed in medical terminology, and doctors need to explain our medicines and how they effect patients.

  2. Limited access to healthcare resources: Not everyone has access to healthcare resources, including educational materials, counseling, or sufficient time with healthcare providers. This can contribute to a lack of education about prescribed medications. In these circumstances, the doctor is your resource. If you doctor fails to adequately educate you on your medicine, and something goes wrong, you need to call me. I’ll discuss your options for medical malpractice lawsuits.

  3. Inadequate communication: Healthcare providers may not effectively communicate medication-related information to patients. This can occur due to time constraints, use of complex medical terminology, or assumptions about patient knowledge. Inadequate communication can lead to a lack of education and misunderstanding about prescribed medications.

Problems that can arise from a patient having a lack of education about their prescribed medication include:

  1. Medication errors: Insufficient knowledge about prescribed medications may increase the risk of medication errors. Taking incorrect dosages, missing doses, or experiencing negative drug interactions, can be devastating to the patient. These errors can lead to ineffective treatment, treatment failure, or adverse effects. Medical malpractice cases can arise because the doctor did not communicate your medication process thoroughly.

  2. Unintended side effects or complications: Without proper education about potential side effects, drug interactions, or necessary precautions, patients may be unaware of warning signs or symptoms related to their medication. This can delay the identification of adverse reactions or complications, leading to avoidable harm or worsening of the underlying condition.

  3. Missed opportunities for self-management: A lack of information about prescribed medications may prevent patients from actively participating in their own healthcare. Understanding the purpose, correct administration, and potential benefits of medications is crucial for patients.

To mitigate these issues, healthcare providers should prioritize clear and accessible communication. It’s necessary to use plain language, to provide written materials, to employ visual aids, and to ensure adequate time for patient education. Using universal health literacy precautions and tailoring educational strategies to individual patient is essential.

If you feel you have medical malpractice claims because your health care providers skimped on explaining everything, call me today. It is unacceptable and dangerous for doctors to be callous about your medical treatment.  I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Incorrect medical diagnosis

An incorrect diagnosis can lead to medication errors with prescribed drugs for several reasons.

  1. Inappropriate drug selection: An incorrect diagnosis can lead to the selection of improper medications. If the underlying condition is misidentified or misunderstood, healthcare providers may prescribe medications that are ineffective or unnecessary. This can result in wasted resources, harmful reactions, and will delay proper treatment.

  2. Incorrect dosage or treatment regimen: A misdiagnosis may lead to errors in determining the appropriate dosage or treatment regimen. Different conditions require different medications, dosages, and administration schedules. The harmful effects patients incur from these errors are medical malpractice injuries.

  3. Delayed or ineffective treatment: If the true underlying condition is not correctly identified, patients may receive medications that do not address their specific health needs. This can result in prolonged symptoms, worsening of the condition, or progression of the disease.

  4. Risk of adverse drug reactions: Taking medications without an accurate diagnosis increases the risk of adverse drug reactions. When patients are prescribed drugs for conditions they do not have, they may experience unnecessary side effects or toxicity. The additional health complications or even illness may result in dire circumstances. Call me for a free consultation.

  5. Missed opportunities for appropriate treatment: When a misdiagnosis occurs, patients may miss out on the opportunity to receive the correct treatment for their actual condition. This delay in receiving the necessary interventions and can hinder the recovery process. Time of treatment is often essential to success.

  6. Financial implications: Incorrectly prescribed medications due to an incorrect diagnosis can lead to unnecessary healthcare expenses. Patients may incur costs for medications that are not needed or do not address their condition. This unnecessary cost should not be a burden on your pocket. I will file a medical malpractice lawsuit for you to recoup your money.

It is crucial for healthcare professionals to make accurate diagnoses through proper evaluation and diagnostic tests. This will ensure appropriate treatment and minimize the risk of medication errors. Collaborative decision-making, open communication between patients and healthcare providers, and seeking second opinions minimizes the chance of error, but does not eliminate it.

I’ve seen the consequences of prescription medication errors and you deserve to fight for compensation.

Look-alike medications

Medications that look similar, known as look-alike medications, can contribute to prescription drug errors.

  1. Confusion during prescribing or dispensing: Look-alike medications have similar physical appearances, such as similar shapes, colors, or packaging. This visual similarity can lead to confusion among healthcare providers or pharmacists during the prescribing or dispensing process. It is possible to mistakenly select or prepare the wrong medication due to the resemblance, leading to medication errors.

  2. Misreading or misinterpretation: When medications have similar names or packaging, healthcare professionals may misread or misinterpret the drug name or label. This can occur during prescription writing, medication order transcription, or medication retrieval from storage. The similarity in appearance can lead to errors in identifying the correct medication, resulting in incorrect administration.

  3. Administration of the wrong medication: Due to the visual resemblance between look-alike medications, healthcare providers or patients may mistakenly administer the incorrect medication. This can happen when medications are not properly labeled or when patients are responsible for self-administration. In such cases, patients may unknowingly take the wrong medication, leading to potential side effects.

  4. Lack of intended therapeutic effect: Taking the incorrect look-alike medication can result in the absence of the intended therapeutic effect. Since the medication being administered is different from the one prescribed, the desired treatment outcome may not be achieved. This can lead to ineffective management of the underlying medical condition.

  5. Occurrence of adverse drug reactions: Look-alike medications may have different active ingredients or drug formulations. When a patient takes an incorrect medication due to its resemblance to the prescribed one, they may experience adverse drug reactions associated with the actual medication. These side effects can vary depending on the specific medication involved but may include allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disturbances, cardiovascular effects, central nervous system effects, or organ toxicity.

  6. Delay in appropriate treatment: If the incorrect medication is taken due to its resemblance to the prescribed one, there may be a delay in receiving the appropriate treatment for the underlying condition. This delay can result in prolonged symptoms, disease progression, or the exacerbation of the patient’s medical condition.

Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

To mitigate the risk of medication errors associated with look-alike medications, healthcare systems and providers can implement strategies such as clear labeling, employing tall man lettering, utilizing electronic prescription systems, and organizing medications to avoid confusion. Vigilance, double-checking, and promoting patient education about medication appearance and name recognition can also contribute to reducing errors related to look-alike medications.

A large majority of medication errors are corrected before any damage is done, but not all patients are so lucky. Mistakes in medication can cause life-time medical problems. Specifically, medication errors in young children and/or the elderly carry the most devastating consequences.

Being a medical malpractice lawyer for more than four decades, I have handled many cases involving medication errors, and I have commonly found that most of these mistakes could have been prevented if the correct procedures were in place.

If you or your loved one was the victim of medication error, you need to call me right away. I will meet you at a time and place that is convenient for you to discuss your case. It is important that you have someone looking out for your rights.

 As your  Medical Malpractice Lawyer, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

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My favorite lawyer. Truly one of the kindest, smartest, and most genuine humans I have ever met. There is only one TIM... MISNY and he will make them pay!! God Bless.read more
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I spoke to Amy and Christine about a possible personal injury case involving my father and they were both helpful,... professional, knowledgeable and responsive. Although they could not help us with our case, I would highly recommend them!read more
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It really comes down to what people say and do when they don't think anyone that matters is listening or they'll get... anything in return.There's the Tim Misny you see on the billboards and on TV, but there's another Tim Misny that I know up close and personal.The Tim Misny I know is genuinely passionate about helping the hard working little folks who get pushed around the big folks. He actually, really honestly cares about people who run into bad luck at no fault of their own. Tim has quietly, out of the sight of cameras and with no fanfare shared generously with the marginalized in our society; single moms, Veterans and others without expecting anything in return.He calls them like he sees them and you wouldn't want to take your troubles to anyone else.read more
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Mr. Misny is an angel here on earth and the BEST attorney in Ohio. He has helped my daughter who is in law school when... she needed the guidance most. He is a class act, a great family man, and extremely caring. If you need a lawyer in this field I would HIGHLY recommend. There is no other lawyer, in my opinion, better than Tim Misny.Thank you Tim for being a light in this community!read more
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Damon Mitchell Sr .1st. (The Old-Man !!! Pop's !!!)
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Mr. Misny is the best! I am a 27-year-old single mother, and I am finishing law school in May at Cleveland-Marshall... College of Law. When I found myself jobless during the height of the pandemic, I knew I needed help. Going into the legal profession, I wanted to be JUST LIKE Mr. Misny because I knew he was the most successful attorney in the industry. I called him up one day just for the hell of it to see if there was anyway he could help me. I never thought such a big name/reputation like him would respond to me. However, when he learned of my financial situation he PERSONALLY called my cell phone within 5 minutes of my email. Not only has he helped me secure employment, but he continues to teach me every single day what it takes to be the BEST lawyer in the legal profession. I am forever thankful for Mr. Misny. He changed my life. He continues to inspire me every single day, and I am so proud that he took me under his wing and is my mentor. He is the most intelligent, kindest, caring attorney I have ever met, and he is giving me the tools I need to be the most successful lawyer I can be o give my four-year-old son, Gregory, the life he deserves. THANK YOU MR. TIM MISNY. I owe my entire future legal career to you because if you didn't take the time out of your busy day to call me that day and help me when no one else would, I would not have been able to stay in law school. You change lives every single day. Keep being you Tim. There is no one like Tim Misny.read more
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Brandon Hagerdon
20:53 18 May 21
I met Tim 6 years ago when he was working with my mother. Since then we were able to stay in touch and build a... relationship. I reached out to Tim recently about an opportunity and he was able to connect the dots and help me with this. During this process he gave me his direct number to contact him if need be. If you are in need of any sort of help, I would recommend Tim every time.read more
Jimmie Graham
Jimmie Graham
19:26 30 Mar 21
Tim is hands down the best lawyer in town. He was able to guide me through the legal process and keep me informed at... all stages. Which allowed me to not stress and focus on life. He was able to get me the best deal possible in my court case. One thing that blew me away is that he gave me his direct cell number and answered anytime I had a question which is rare with most lawyers. 100% Misny is the guy! There's a reason he's on literally every billboard in Cleveland.read more
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Paul McFadden
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My relationship with Tim goes back over 30 years and is one of great trust and mutual respect. Tim represented me at a... critical point in my life and I will always be indebted to him for the difference he made. He is always just a phone call away.read more
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Rick Miller
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If I could reach into the sky just to pull more than 5 stars down for a rating I would! I have used other lawyers in... the past and it was such a pain to reach them when I needed them. Tim is in all honesty there for you. He gave me his personal phone number, and at anytime or any day he answered. If I had to leave a message I could count to 10 and he would already be calling me back. He also was willing to talk on the weekends! He didn’t just forward me to an impersonal automated system or a person with no experience. I will NEVER use another person for legal advice. He’s gracious enough to give me guidance whenever I have a question. No matter how complex. This may sound like an advertisement but I assure you this man was more in touch when I had an issue than my own family. A reasonable and caring family man who will MAKE THEM PAY!Thank you Timread more
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I've had the pleasure of getting to know Tim personally over the past 2 years. Beyond him being an incredible lawyer &... 'Jack of all trades ' he is an amazing friend. One thing I love most is that he is family oriented & always making quality time for his loved ones. He inspires me to be a great role model &father figure one day. Tim loves nature & shares the true beauty of nature with how he raises his kids. From biking through trails & having his kids learn how to nurture the family garden - he teaches valuable lessons on how to appreciate the world we live in. I know that Tim is just a phone call away & always urgent to responding no matter the situation. He has given me some of the greatest advice & continously throwing positive energy my way! I'm honored to know him & be a friend of his. He is the true practioneer of changing lives & paying it forward. He has taught me so much in just a short amount of time. Tim Misny, a man that wakes up every single day to make a difference!read more
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Tim has created a highly visible and effective law practice, and despite his decades of experience, he has never once... forgotten why he got into this business in the first place: to help people. He puts his whole heart into his work, and he works hard for everyone he represents. He has a gift for tuning out the noise and tuning into the core of what his clients need, and making it clear he has heard them. As a result, we feel empowered. He is smart, resourceful, creative, positive, and solution-oriented. His abundant energy makes people feel better, stronger, and valued. He loves and promotes his community; he gives back generously, and he always leaves everything better than he found it. Tim is a true man of action, and a man of his word. Could not recommend him more highly.read more
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Mike M
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As a young man, I worked at a local garden center. I came from a family that had too many problems to list. I felt I... was never destined to be anything good. I had always wanted to be a police officer since I was a little boy. But, one side of my family told me that I would never be good enough to do it. Anytime I brought it up, they knocked me down until I started to believe that I could never accomplish my dream. One day, about 20 years ago, while working at that garden center, a very tall man came in and asked me to help him select plants. As we walked around the garden center, he struck up a conversation with me. He was very friendly and kind. I was a skinny teenager in dirty blue jeans and a t shirt. This man was dressed very nicely and I was surprised at how nice he was to me. During our conversation, he asked me what I wanted to do with my life after school. I told him that I wanted to be a police officer but many people told me that I’d never make it. I told him how my very own father said I wasn’t smart enough, brave enough, and I was wasting my time. I remember looking at the ground while I explained this to him. The man stopped and got serious. His voice dropped an octave and he looked me dead in the eyes. He pointed his finger at me and told me that I could make anything of my life that I wanted. He told me that it was up to ME to make my life goals come true. He told me to ignore anybody who tells me otherwise. He assured me that if I studied hard in school and never gave up on my dreams that they would become a reality. He told me to say it. I said “I can do it”. In that moment, I thought that if a complete stranger saw something in me, than maybe it could be true.After I helped him through the checkout and he left, many different employees at the garden center asked me if I knew who that man was. I did not. They told me, “That’s Tim Misny!” Once I figured out “who” Tim Misny was, my confidence grew. It was a pivotal moment. One in which steered the rest of my life. His words stuck with me. I worked hard and obtained my Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. I was hired by a local Law Enforcement Agency at the age of 21. I was sent to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy, which was an extremely tough place to be, to say the least. At the Academy, they try to break those who don’t have a determined spirit. On days I wanted to quit, I remembered Tim’s words. Maybe it was fate, maybe it was random chance.... I’ll never know But, Tim Misny helped me have the confidence and determination that was necessary to be where I’m at today. I’ve been a law enforcement officer for over 16 years. I’ve told this story to many of my coworkers.Tim, you’ll never understand how your words that spring day helped shape my future. Your words enabled me to provide a great life for myself and my family. I’m forever grateful.Mikeread more
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Eric Evans
21:02 04 Oct 20
Tim has represented me twice, once 30 years ago and again just recently. I was too young to fully appreciate his... expertise when he represented me the first time (as i was a minor who was the victim of an accident - he won for us, incidentally), but I'm old enough and wise enough now to really appreciate how truly great he is. First off, how many attorney's actually give you their cell phone number and actually answer? I would contend very, very few. Secondly, he has a street fighter mentality combined with a sharp legal intellect which makes you immediately think "I'm so glad this guy is on my side." I was really in a bind recently and Tim came through in spades - he is THE person I would call if I were in trouble or needed help - at a minimum he would know who I should talk to and direct me there (he knows his own limits, which is the key to a wise person) - at a maximum he would take on my fight himself and I'd have full confidence in his ability to deliver the best possible outcome for me - he fights for you like you're family - can't say it better than that.read more
Benjamin Firstenberg
Benjamin Firstenberg
19:32 28 Sep 20
I worked as an intern for Tim the summer of 2017 and it was an unbelievable experience both for my career and personal... development. He treats his employees with a level of respect, appreciation and honesty that I've truly not seen anywhere else that I've worked. We've stayed in touch these past few years and I'm still learning from Tim, whether it be the way he sees the world, his career advice or his commitment to his family. He's an honest man who treats people honorably.read more
David Shelton
David Shelton
01:13 30 Jun 20
I don't know much about Tim the lawyer, but I do know about Tim the man. Tim the man befriended me as a youth and gave... me the motivation to excel in school. Tim the man wrote the letter that got me into college and got me a helpful scholarship. Tim the man gave me an internship while in college. Tim the man has been a friend to me for over ten years. He makes himself available day or night whether I need advice or just want to talk about the day. There a lot of stigmas about attorneys (and they are earned) but Tim Misny bucks the stereotype. And if Tim the lawyer is half a good as Tim the man, he will live up to his word, and make them pay.read more
Mike Mercer
Mike Mercer
00:16 17 Jan 20
WOW! It is the only way to describe the tremendous experience I was afforded, when I contacted and then retained Tim... Misny, to handle a case for me. I had been injured in an automobile accident and needed help and direction, Tim and his staff provided both.The personal attention and clarity of the matter and specifics, gave me a state of comfort and satisfaction that I could have found nowhere else! I will be forever grateful to have Tim Misny as my attorney and my friend!I am a businessman in the Greater Cleveland area and have directed various members of my staffs as well as personal friends to Tim for solutions to their personal injury case needs. All my referrals have been more than pleased with the service and personal treatment they have received from Tim and his staff.I strongly recommend Tim Misny and his associates should you ever need the finest legal services available in Ohio! Trust is his number one priority, trust in knowing that you will be his client second, his friend first!read more
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