Protecting Patients Harmed by Prescription and Drug Mistakes
When we take prescription medication, we trust doctors, nurses, and pharmacists to get it right. But even small mistakes — the wrong drug, wrong dosage, or harmful combination — can lead to devastating injuries. Medication errors are one of the most common forms of medical malpractice in New York and are often completely preventable.
At The C. Paul Law Firm P.C., we represent patients across Westchester and New York who suffered harm due to prescription and medication mistakes. We fight to hold negligent providers accountable and to secure compensation for victims and their families.
Call today for a free consultation: (212) 551-PAUL
Common Types of Medication Errors
| Type of Error | Example | Potential Impact |
| Wrong Prescription | Doctor prescribes the wrong drug for a condition | Worsening illness, harmful side effects |
| Dosage Errors | Too much or too little prescribed | Overdose, ineffective treatment |
| Pharmacy Dispensing Errors | Wrong medication filled at pharmacy | Allergic reaction, serious harm |
| Drug Interaction Mistakes | Prescribing drugs that conflict with others | Organ damage, stroke, cardiac arrest |
| Administration Errors | Nurse gives wrong drug or dose in hospital | Immediate injury, long-term complications |
| Failure to Monitor | No follow-up on side effects or blood levels | Undetected complications |
Causes of Medication Errors
Medication malpractice often results from:
- Miscommunication between doctors, nurses, and pharmacists
- Illegible or incorrect prescriptions
- Failure to check medical history for allergies or drug interactions
- Pharmacy labeling or packaging mistakes
- Overworked or understaffed medical facilities
Legal Considerations in Medication Error Cases
To prove malpractice, patients must show:
- A provider-patient relationship existed.
- The provider breached the standard of care (prescribing, filling, or administering incorrectly).
- The error caused injury or harm.
- The patient suffered measurable damages.
Compensation for Victims of Medication Errors
Victims of prescription and drug errors may recover damages for:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization and corrective care
- Long-term medical monitoring
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages for family members
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all side effects malpractice?
No. Only when a preventable prescription or administration error caused the harm.
Can I sue if the pharmacy gave me the wrong medication?
Yes. Dispensing errors are one of the clearest forms of negligence.
What if I was given the wrong dosage in the hospital?
Hospitals and staff can be liable if dosage mistakes cause harm.
How long do I have to file a medication malpractice lawsuit in New York?
Generally 2.5 years from the malpractice date, though exceptions apply in some cases.
Serving Westchester and the Greater New York Area
We represent medication error victims in Westchester, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and across New York.