What are prescription errors?

According to a study carried out by researchers from the Universities of York, Manchester and Sheffield, over 200 million medication errors occur in the NHS per year. Errors can occur in dispersing or prescribing medication. In both cases, if you’re suffering because of a prescription error you might be entitled to claim compensation.

What types of prescription errors are there?

Whether the medication you’ve been prescribed is for treatment of an injury or illness or prevention of an illness, there are different scenarios which can lead to prescription errors, such as:

Dispensing error

• Handing out the wrong medication, for example because it's being put in the wrong place or the wrong bag
• Labelling medication incorrectly
• Dispensing the wrong dosage of the medication prescribed

Prescribing error

• Prescribing a product that you are allergic against
• Prescribing the wrong dosage
• Prescribing medication, which clashes with other medication
• Repeatedly prescribing medication without regular check-ups

How do you know if you have a medical negligence claim for a prescription error?

If your GP, a medical professional or pharmacist has made a prescription error, and as a result, your condition has got worse or you’ve developed another condition, you may be entitled to prescription error compensation. Whilst many prescription errors don’t have any serious consequences for the patient, for others it can have catastrophic and even fatal consequences.

If you think you’ve suffered as a result of a prescription error, contact our team of experts to establish whether or not you have a claim for prescription error negligence.

How much does it cost to make a prescription error claim?

The majority of our medical negligence claims are funded by a conditional fee agreement, otherwise known as a No Win No Fee Agreement. This means if you lose your case, you will not have to pay any fees and therefore, there’s no financial risk to you. For further information, about No Win No Fee agreements, read our Medical Negligence Fees page.

How much can I claim for prescription error negligence?

Every case is different, and the final amount of compensation awarded will be based on the severity of the injury and the affect the injury has had on your life. Additionally, you’ll also be able to claim for any lost earnings, any long-term care, rehabilitation and any necessary house adaptations to maximise the chance of recovery and independent living. To establish your full legal position, call us on freephone 0330 041 5869.

How much time do I have to make a prescription error claim?

If you believe you have a claim, it’s important that you seek advice from a solicitor who specialises in prescription error cases as soon as possible, as there are time limits in place in England, Scotland and Wales.

Generally, a prescription error claim should be made within three years from the date the negligence occurred or the date you were first aware that you had suffered a significant injury or illness due to negligence. However, there are exceptions.

To read more about the time limits of making a claim, please read our medical negligence FAQs or our medical negligence claims guide.

Why choose Slater and Gordon's prescription error solicitors?

Not only do we have many years' experience securing compensation for prescription error claims, we also have the utmost sensitivity to handle your case with great care.

We offer home and hospital visits and provide immediate representation and rehabilitation support.

Contact us for a free consultation to help you understand whether or not you have a claim or call 0330 041 5869.

Can I change my solicitors to Slater and Gordon?

If you or a family member have been seriously impacted by medical negligence, and you feel that you're not getting the specialist legal advice you need from your current solicitor, we'll be happy to discuss switching your case to Slater and Gordon. Simply call our experts on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online.