The High Stakes of Medication Errors

Pharmacists are one of the top trusted professionals. As a retired pharmacist turn lawyer, I am proud of both my professions and now first-hand the stresses and rigors. When medication is dispensed, you place your health, and sometimes even your life, into the pharmacist’s hands. You depend on their training, education, experience, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy to ensure that the right medication, dosage, product form, instructions, and quantity is provided to the right patient.

A pharmacist’s duty goes beyond simply filling a bottle; it includes carefully reviewing the ordered prescription, knowledge of the medication, its dosage and forms for administration or ingestion, directions for use, potential drug interactions, patient allergies, understanding and reviewing the prescription ordered communications with the patient, and many more demands. A medication error originating from the physician or ARNP in ordering the drug can also lead to catastrophic consequences when it is dispensed. When a prescription dispensing error is not caught in time, the danger can result in short- and long-term medical complications, huge medical costs, loss of work income, or tragically death, leaving patients and families devastated.

At the Law Office of Salesia Smith Gordon, we recognize the profound impact that prescription errors can have on individuals and their loved ones. Attorney Salesia Smith-Gordon, understands both the rigors of the profession of pharmacy and the unfortunate complex harm an unsuspecting patient may experience due to the pharmacist error or pharmacy system breakdown which can lead to litigation. To err is human. Pharmacists are professionals who are an integral part of the patient’s healing and overall wellness. Yet, errors can and do occur.

Medication is meant to heal, not harm. When a prescription error occurs, it can shatter lives in an instant. There is a delicate balance of trust patients place in their health providers—and the devastation when that trust is broken.

At the Law Office of Salesia Smith-Gordon, we stand with patients and families harmed by pharmacy errors. We understand the trust placed in health providers—and the devastation when that trust is broken. Our team is here to be your advocate and pursue the justice you deserve.