Medication Errors
Medication errors solicitors in Cheltenham
At Pembridge Solicitors, we advise patients who have suffered harm because of medication errors in hospitals, GP surgeries, pharmacies, care homes, or other healthcare settings. Based in Cheltenham, our medical negligence solicitors provide clear, practical advice to help you understand whether a mistake involving medication may amount to negligence and what options may be available. Medication errors can cause serious and sometimes lasting harm, particularly where incorrect drugs or doses are given. Our role is to explain your position in plain English and guide you through the process with care and professionalism.
What are medication errors?
Medication errors occur when a patient is prescribed, dispensed, or given medication incorrectly. This can include being given the wrong medication, the wrong dosage, the wrong strength, or medication being administered at the wrong time or in the wrong way. Errors can also involve failing to prescribe necessary medication or failing to check allergies, interactions, or medical history. Not every adverse reaction is negligent, but where standards fall below what is reasonably expected and harm is caused, a claim may arise.
Common types of medication errors
Medication errors can happen at different stages of treatment. Common examples include incorrect prescriptions by a doctor, dispensing errors by a pharmacy, dosage mistakes, administering medication to the wrong patient, or failure to monitor side effects and interactions. Errors may involve repeat prescriptions that are not properly reviewed or medication being continued when it is no longer appropriate. These mistakes can occur in both NHS and private healthcare settings.
When advice about medication errors is needed
Advice is often sought when a patient experiences unexpected side effects, allergic reactions, worsening symptoms, or complications after taking medication. In some cases, harm only becomes clear after prolonged use of incorrect medication or dosage. Many people are unsure whether what they experienced was simply an unfortunate reaction or the result of an avoidable mistake. Legal advice can help clarify whether proper checks should have been carried out and whether the error caused avoidable harm.
Understanding the medication error claims process
Medication error claims involve reviewing medical records, prescriptions, pharmacy records, and treatment notes to establish what medication should have been given and what actually happened. The key questions are whether the care fell below acceptable standards and whether that failure caused harm. These cases often require independent medical expert evidence to assess both the error and its impact on the patient.
How we handle medication error claims
When you instruct Pembridge Solicitors, we begin by listening carefully to what happened and reviewing your medical and prescription records in detail. We assess whether appropriate checks were carried out and whether the medication error caused harm that could have been avoided. Where necessary, we work with independent medical experts to support the claim. Throughout the process, we explain each stage clearly, manage expectations honestly, and handle your case with sensitivity and care.
Compensation for medication errors
Compensation aims to reflect the harm caused by the medication error. This may include pain and suffering, the impact on daily life, additional treatment required, and financial losses where relevant. Each case is assessed individually, and we provide clear advice on what compensation may realistically be claimed.
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Clear, confidential advice on Medication Errors. Speak to an experienced solicitor to understand your options and next steps.
Medication errors FAQs
Does a bad reaction to medication always mean negligence?
No. Some medications carry known risks and side effects even when prescribed correctly. A claim depends on whether the medication was prescribed, dispensed, or administered incorrectly, or whether proper checks were missed, and whether that failure caused harm.
What if the pharmacy made the mistake?
Pharmacies can be responsible for medication errors, such as dispensing the wrong drug or incorrect dosage. Responsibility depends on what went wrong and at which stage the error occurred. Each case is assessed on its facts.
Can errors involving repeat prescriptions amount to negligence?
Yes. Errors involving repeat prescriptions, such as continuing unsuitable medication, failing to adjust dosage, or not reviewing long-term use, can form the basis of a claim if harm was caused and proper monitoring should have taken place.
Do I need to keep the medication packaging?
If available, medication packaging and instructions can be helpful, but they are not essential to seek advice. Prescription records, GP notes, and pharmacy records are usually the key evidence reviewed.
Is there a time limit for bringing a medication error claim?
Yes. Strict time limits apply, usually running from when you first became aware that a medication error may have caused harm. Because these rules can be complex, early advice is important.
What if the medication error happened some time ago?
In some cases, claims can still be brought if the harm or error was only discovered later. Legal advice helps assess whether time limits may still allow a claim to proceed.
Where we also assist clients
While our medication errors solicitors are based in Cheltenham, we also assist clients from Tewkesbury, Gloucester, and across England and Wales, with support provided in person or remotely where appropriate.
Speak to medication errors solicitors in Cheltenham
If you believe you have been affected by a medication error and want clear advice on your options, our solicitors are here to help. We provide practical medical negligence advice focused on understanding what went wrong and helping you move forward. To speak to one of our medical negligence solicitors, call 0330 900 0377 or contact us online to arrange a confidential consultation.
How to Find Us
Pembridge Solicitors
Calderwood House
Montpellier Parade
Cheltenham
GL50 1UA