Overview of Pharmacist Error Malpractice

Last year, there were 66 million prescription errors made in the U.S. according to a drug industry data company. Pharmacist error falls under tort law for medical malpractice which is a system allowing victims of medical provider negligence a way to recover for their losses.

As medical providers, pharmacists must adhere to the very high standards set by society and their profession. Failure to follow this high standard of due care when filling your prescription constitutes negligence.

There are standards in place which if practiced thoroughly by the pharmacist should normally prevent most prescription errors.

Communication is at the heart of these standards and in most cases, will prevent pharmacist prescription errors. For example, if a hand-written prescription order is illegible, the pharmacist has the duty to call the prescribing doctor for clarification.

Making assumptions because of a heavy workload or handing the order to another pharmacist or technician to decipher is unacceptable behavior.

Drug utilization reviews (DUR) are one of the communication tools designed to prevent prescription errors. Pharmacists must conduct a DUR and counsel you about your medication before dispensing it.

Failure to fully conduct the DUR constitutes medical malpractice if you are seriously injured as a result of this omission and pharmacist negligence.

During a DUR, the pharmacist is required to: 

• Determine what medications you are taking;
• Determine if you have a history of allergies;
• Ascertain your current health condition;
• Evaluate drug interactions;
• Evaluate drug-disease contraindications; and
• Check for any under or over-prescribed medications. 

A pharmacy can be held liable for any pharmacist's negligence and failure to practice the accepted level of due care when dispensing your medication to you.

To learn more about pharmacist errors, visit our article library. 

Contacting an Aurora Prescription Error Lawyer

If you or a family member have been seriously injured by pharmacist error, you have the legal right to hold the pharmacy accountable for the physical and emotional damages you suffered.

The Aurora prescription error lawyers at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. understand the complex legalities of medical malpractice cases in the Chicago area. Let us help defend your legal rights to seek just compensation for your pain and suffering caused by your pharmacist error injury. We can build a strong pharmacist error medical malpractice case and give you a voice against the vast resources of a pharmacy corporation or malpractice insurance company.

Contact us today for a FREE case evaluation on your pharmacist error medical malpractice claim: 1-312-263-1080.