Medication Error: When Prescription Mistakes Lead to Patient Harm

“It was just one extra zero on the prescription, but it nearly cost a life.”

These were the words of one of our clients, a 68-year-old patient who was prescribed ten times the appropriate dose of blood pressure medication. The error led to a severe drop in blood pressure, causing a fall that resulted in a hip fracture and a week-long hospital stay.

Unfortunately, experiences like this are not rare. Medication errors affect thousands of patients across the UK every year. Some incidents cause no lasting harm, while others lead to life-changing injuries or even fatalities.

As medical negligence solicitors, we have represented numerous clients affected by prescription and medication mistakes. These cases highlight how small mistakes can have profound implications for patient safety.

Understanding Medication Errors

Such errors can occur at any stage of the medical process, including prescribing, dispensing, administration, and monitoring. They take many forms, including:

Prescribing Errors

Incorrect medication selection
Dosage errors, including prescribing too high or too low a dose
Failure to consider patient allergies
Overlooking dangerous drug interactions
Inappropriate medication for a patient’s condition

Dispensing Errors

Providing the wrong medication
Dispensing the incorrect strength or formulation
Labelling errors on the medication package
Dispensing expired medications

Administration Errors

Giving medication to the wrong patient
Administering medication using an incorrect method
Missing doses or giving extra doses
Administering medication at the wrong time

Monitoring Errors

Failing to review ongoing medication
Not monitoring for side effects
Continuing medication more protracted than necessary
Missing signs of adverse reactions

For example, we represented a patient with a documented penicillin allergy. Despite this being clearly recorded, they were prescribed amoxicillin for a chest infection. Within minutes of taking the first dose, they suffered anaphylaxis, requiring emergency treatment and a stay in intensive care.

For more on NHS medication safety guidance, visit NHS Medication Safety Advice.

The Human Impact of Medication Errors

Medication negligence can result in serious consequences far beyond the clinical effects. These include:

Physical Consequences

Additional medical complications
Prolonged illness due to ineffective treatment
Adverse drug reactions
New health issues caused by the error
In severe cases, permanent disability or death

Psychological Impact

Loss of trust in healthcare providers
Anxiety about taking medications
Post-traumatic stress symptoms
Fear of further medical treatment

Financial Implications

Loss of income due to time off work
Additional treatment costs
Care expenses during recovery
Long-term financial impact for serious injuries

We represented an elderly patient who was mistakenly given another patient’s heart medication. The adverse reaction resulted in hospitalisation for three weeks and left them with permanent kidney damage. They also developed severe anxiety about taking medication, leading to a loss of independence and the need for supported living arrangements.

High-Risk Medications and Situations

Some medications are considered high-alert or high-risk due to their potential to cause significant harm if mismanaged. These include:

Anticoagulants such as warfarin
Insulin and diabetes medications
Opioid pain medications
Chemotherapy drugs
IV sedatives
Certain antibiotics

Risk increases in certain situations, including:

Transitions between care settings, such as hospital discharge
Multiple prescribers managing a patient’s care
Patients with complex health conditions
Very young or elderly patients
Emergency situations

We assisted a patient who was discharged from the hospital with unclear instructions regarding warfarin dosage. The community care team followed an outdated dosage, resulting in dangerous over-anticoagulation and internal bleeding requiring emergency treatment.

Read more: Birth Trauma and Medical Negligence: Supporting Families Through the Aftermath

Proving Negligence in Medication Error Claims

Not all medication blunders constitute medical negligence. To succeed in a medication negligence claim, we need to demonstrate:

Duty of care: The healthcare provider had a responsibility to provide competent care
Breach of duty: The care fell below acceptable standards
Causation: The breach caused injury or harm
Damage: Actual harm was suffered as a result of the error

In medication error cases, we often examine whether a reasonably competent professional would have made the same mistake. Some cases involve complex decisions, while others reflect fundamental safety failures.

For more on GMC guidelines, visit GMC Prescribing and Managing Medicines.

Time Limits for Medication Error Claims

There are strict time limits for bringing a medication negligence claim. Generally, you have three years from:

The date of the prescription error, or
The date you became aware that your injury was caused by the error (the “date of knowledge”)

For children, the three-year limit begins on the child’s 18th birthday. For those lacking mental capacity, there may be no time limit.

For legal timeframes, refer to the Limitation Act 1980.

Notable Case Study: Preventable Anticoagulation Error

We represented the family of a patient who died following a prescription error involving anticoagulant therapy.

Warfarin was continued despite interaction risks with antibiotics
INR monitoring was neglected for five days
When tested, the INR was dangerously high, but no action was taken for over 24 hours.

The patient suffered a fatal intracranial haemorrhage. Our investigation found clear breaches of duty, and expert evidence confirmed the death was preventable. The family received compensation, a formal acknowledgment of failings, and changes in hospital policy.

Compensation for Medication Error Claims

Compensation aims to cover both general damages and special damages, including:

Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
Lost earnings
Medical and treatment expenses
Care and assistance costs
Travel expenses
Adaptations to accommodation
Other out-of-pocket expenses

Each claim is evaluated based on its unique facts, with medical and financial specialists’ input.

For more about assessing damages, visit our Medical Negligence Compensation Guide.

For more about assessing damages, visit our Medical Negligence Compensation Guide.

Preventing Medication Mistakes: Patient Advocacy

We encourage patients to take an active role in preventing such errors. Practical steps include:

Keeping an up-to-date list of medications and supplements
Informing healthcare providers of allergies and past adverse reactions
Asking questions about new prescriptions
Checking medicines before leaving the pharmacy
Using pill organisers
Reporting side effects immediately
Using the NHS Electronic Prescription Service

How We Can Help and Taking the First Step

If you have suffered harm due to such an error, we can help. We offer:

A free initial consultation
Clear advice on the merits of your claim
No win, no fee medication negligence claims
Links to support groups and additional resources
Expert legal representation
A proven track record of successful claims

Taking the first step can be daunting. Speaking with us does not commit you to a claim, but it can help you make an informed decision.

Contact Cooper Hall Solicitors on 01274 488877 or email enquiries@cooperhallsolicitors.co.uk for a free, no-obligation consultation with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.

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