Tracking and administering medication are central components of caregiving in nursing homes. However, medication errors in nursing homes can result in serious injuries and even death. Medication errors can include missing doses, giving the wrong amounts, and administering the incorrect medication. Injuries from medication errors often go undetected, which can make it difficult for patients to recover financial compensation for their injuries.
Potential Consequences of Medication Errors in Nursing Homes
Medication errors can cause adverse events in nursing home residents, causing permanent injury or death. These errors can also exacerbate pre-existing injuries and conditions. Adverse reactions due to medication errors might include:
- Rash and skin irritation
- Pain and discomfort
- Allergic reactions
- Worsening of an existing condition
- Infections
- Falls
- Dehydration
- Cognitive impairment
- Convulsions and tremors
- Loss of consciousness
- Hypertension
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Death
Given the diverse chemical profiles of pharmaceuticals and the potential for medication interactions, injuries from medical errors can vary significantly. In some cases, the effects of medication errors can be immediate and severe, leading to serious complications and injuries. In others, medication errors might go undetected for extended periods.
Why Medication Errors Often Go Undetected at Nursing Homes
Medication errors often go unnoticed at nursing homes because patients may already be infirm and ill. Staff may attribute any negative effects of medication errors to pre-existing conditions or unrelated injuries. Additionally, staff shortages, nursing home abuse, insufficient caregiver training, and a lack of proper documentation can cause medical errors and prevent their detection. Lastly, elderly residents may be unable to advocate for themselves, meaning another party, such as friends or family, must advocate for them.
How to Prevent Medication Errors in Nursing Homes
To prevent medication errors, nursing facilities have several rules and procedures for storing, transporting, and dispensing patients’ medication, including:
- Documenting each drug as it is consumed
- Keeping drugs in their original containers
- Informing residents about the medicines they are taking
- Implementing an error reporting system for reporting and feedback
- Providing sufficient staff training concerning medication procedures and rules
Even though nursing homes might have robust systems in place, medication errors can happen if caregivers or administration are negligent in their duties.
Who Is Liable for Medication Errors in Nursing Homes?
In general, nursing home facilities and staff are liable for medication errors that cause injury or death. Nursing homes must follow strict Illinois laws regarding standards of care and administering medications. These include rules concerning obtaining, dispensing, and disposing of drugs and medication. If nursing home staff are found to have violated medication regulations and caused injury, the negligent professional and nursing facility can be responsible for any injuries. Damages in a medication error claim can include financial compensation for additional medical care, the cost of facility relocation, and pain and suffering.
How Can Our Lawyers at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. Help?
The attorneys from Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have extensive experience managing claims for medical malpractice, including nursing home medication errors. We can conduct an exhaustive investigation to identify potential nursing home malpractice and hold negligent medical professionals responsible for the harm they have caused. Contact our offices online or call today for a free case consultation with a medical malpractice attorney in Chicago.
