While chemotherapy drugs are designed to help treat cancer by destroying cancerous cells, they are also very toxic chemicals that must be handled and dispensed with the utmost of care.
The nature of these drugs means they could pose a serious risk as a result of a chemotherapy mistake.
When a healthcare professional is negligent or careless in their duties and this negligence results in injuries, the healthcare professional may be held legally liable through an Illinois medical malpractice claim.
If you have suffered any type of injury due to a chemotherapy mistake, a Chicago medical malpractice attorney should be consulted to thoroughly investigate your case. An attorney will collect the evidence to prove negligence and help you fight for your rights in an Illinois medical malpractice claim.
Chemotherapy Mistake: Patient Given the Wrong Medication
An example of a serious chemotherapy mistake is when a patient is given the wrong medication. In fact, several years ago a couple from St. Louis filed a medical malpractice and wrongful death lawsuit against Walgreens after the woman was mistakenly given chemotherapy drugs instead of prenatal vitamins.
The pharmacy failed to ensure that the woman was given the right type of medication and this medication error resulted in a miscarriage. This chemotherapy mistake caused the female patient to suffer vomiting, nausea and ultimately, the loss of her child.
A chemotherapy mistake that is the result of such a significant medication error can lead to devastating or even fatal consequences. When a pharmacist fails to accurately prescribe medication it could lead to them being held liable through an Illinois medical malpractice claim.
This type of chemotherapy error is preventable and gives a family the right to pursue a claim in order to be compensated for damages such as pain and suffering, medical expenses or even wrongful death.
Chemotherapy Mistake: Patient Given an Overdose
Another serious type of chemotherapy mistake is to be given an overdose. Even if an individual is in need of chemotherapy, if they are given too much medication or given it too frequently, the results could be fatal. The very drug that is meant to treat cancer can become poisonous when given in excessive dosages.
Not only can an overdose lead to diarrhea, vomiting and pain but it can also lead to a blood-related complication.
This makes the patient vulnerable to death as well as a serious infection or excessive bleeding.
There may be a number of healthcare professionals involved in the chemotherapy regimen that you are prescribed. If there is a failure by the doctor, nurse or any other healthcare professional to ensure that your chemotherapy is prescribed and administered correctly they could be held liable for your injuries.
Proving Negligence in a Chemotherapy Error
Proving any type of medical negligence is a very difficult task. It’s challenging to distinguish between a poor outcome and actual negligence. There are certain factors that must be in place in order to hold a healthcare professional liable in an Illinois medical malpractice claim.
It must be proven that a healthcare professional was negligent. In other words, it must be shown the standard of care was below what a reasonable doctor or nurse would have provided. Giving the wrong type of medication, the wrong dose or failing to ensure staff follow the correct medication regime are examples of medical negligence.
Additionally, to file an Illinois medical malpractice claim you must also prove that you were injured as a result of the negligence.
Even if you receive an incorrect dosage of medication or the wrong type, if you are not injured you cannot recover damages.
Finally, you must be able to prove that your sickness or injury is directly related to the healthcare professional’s chemotherapy error and for no other cause, such as your diagnosis of cancer.
This is where the help of a Chicago medical malpractice attorney comes in. An attorney can help you determine if you have a valid Illinois medical malpractice claim and will guide you in the steps you should take in order to protect your legal rights.
When to Hire a Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney
A Chicago medical malpractice attorney at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. has dealt with similar cases to yours and knows the best course of action for your claim. To improve your chances at a fair settlement and take the burden out of all the paperwork involved in an Illinois medical malpractice claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.
