In the UK, there are in excess of 1 billion prescriptions issued every year. The overwhelming majority of these are correct, but when mistakes are made it can have consequences ranging from minor inconvenience through to life changing injury or even death. When errors are made, they can generally be categorised as either;
Dispensing Errors
- Issuing the wrong medication, perhaps because it’s being put in the wrong packaging.
- Incorrect labelling on medication that might for example cause you to take the wrong dose
- Mixing up prescriptions and issuing you with someone else’s prescription
- Dosage errors
Prescription Errors
- Prescribing an incorrect dosage
- Prescribing a medicine that the patient is allergic to
- Prescribing medication which is contra-indicated with other medication you may be taking
- Prescribing medicine which is contra-indicated with other health conditions you may have.
- Failing to provide medication when it should have been prescribed
- Repeat prescriptions without regular check-ups to ensure it remains suitable
- Providing an adult dose for a child
Is there a Time Limit to claim?
Yes. This is known as the “limitation period”, ie the time within which one must start legal proceedings. This is generally 3 years from the date of the prescribing error. However, it could be longer if for example your date of knowledge of the error was sometime later. Also, the 3 years does not start to run for children until they reach the age of 18, although it is always best to proceed with a claim as soon as possible. This is a guide only as there are other circumstances that can affect the relevant limitation period. Please contact us for specific advice relevant to your own circumstances.
Can I make a Claim?
We have huge experience in helping people who have suffered because of prescription errors. If you have suffered injury as a result of a prescription error, you may be able to make a prescription error compensation claim. Our experienced medical negligence experts have helped countless people who have suffered injury because of a prescription error.
How much will it cost me to make a prescription error claim?
We operate on a no win no fee basis. This means that if for whatever reason the claim does not succeed there are no charges to you whatsoever. In the event your claim does succeed, we always limit our charges to a maximum of 25% (including VAT) of the compensation we recover for you. Many solicitors charge significantly more than this, and also charge for an insurance policy on top. With us there is no small print and no hidden extras. We do what we say we will.
How much can I claim for prescription error negligence?
There is no set figure as every client’s circumstances are different. The amount of compensation awarded will be based on the nature, severity, longevity and recovery from the injury suffered. We will take into account not only any pain and suffering, but also the effect the injury has had on your day to day life. We will also advise you on recovering any financial losses, whether loss of earnings, care, rehabilitation, medical costs or any other losses. In the event of a prescription error causing catastrophic injury, the future financial losses can often be the largest aspect of the value of a claim. We treat every client as an individual, not just another case. For personal advice tailored to you, get in touch.
Why Should I instruct Ross Aldridge Solicitors?
We are established and respected experts in both personal injury and medical negligence. We have been trading since 1985 and have enormous experience in dealing with claims of all values. We are proud that we provide a service second to none and treat every client as an individual. We are large enough to handle any case that you have but small enough to care and provide a bespoke service. Our medical negligence cases are dealt with exclusively by highly experienced qualified lawyers only but with the benefit also of inhouse medical expertise.
What should I do now?
If you or a loved one have suffered as a result of a prescription error, however it has occurred, contact us and we’ll be happy to help. We will be able to tell you very quickly if you have a case we can assist with and answer any questions that you have.
