Ohio Medication Mistake Lawyer

Medication mistakes are unfortunately common in nursing homes and are carefully monitored by state inspectors. Nursing homes are required to keep their medication error rate below 5 percent. Any errors that occur should not cause significant harm to patients. These errors happen when there is a deviation from a doctor’s orders, label instructions, or industry standards during the preparation or administration of medication.

Negligence in Medication Administration

Medication errors often result from negligence. Common examples include:

• Dose omission or underdose: Failing to give the prescribed dose or administering less than required.
• Overdose or multiple doses: Giving more than the prescribed amount or administering extra doses.
• Expired medications: Using medications past their expiration date, which can be ineffective or harmful.
• Incorrect product or dosage: Administering the wrong medication, incorrect strength, or incorrect dose.
• Timing errors: Administering medication at the wrong time, rate, or duration.
• Technique errors: Using incorrect methods to administer medication.
• Patient documentation errors: Mistakes in recording patient medication details.

Medication Malpractice by Nursing Staff

Medication malpractice occurs when nursing staff fails to follow proper procedures. Examples include:

• Ignoring medication orders: Disregarding the doctor’s instructions.
• Borrowing medications: Using medication intended for another patient.
• Improperly altering medications: Crushing or slicing medications that should not be split.
• Incorrect food or fluid pairing: Giving medications with the wrong type of food or fluids.
• Improper use of medical devices: Incorrectly using inhalers or administering eye drops.
• Medication diversion: Redirecting medications away from the patient for other uses.

Medication errors that proximately cause injuries to you or your loved ones are compensable in the state of Ohio for the damages they cause. If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, negligence, or malpractice of any kind, please contact us as soon as possible.