Dispensing Error Claims

What Can a Dispensing Error Involve?

A dispensing error can happen at different stages of the process between a prescription being issued and medication being supplied. Examples may include providing the wrong medicine, incorrect strength, incorrect dosage or medication intended for another patient.

Errors in the instructions provided with a medicine can also create risks, particularly where a patient is unaware that they have been given incorrect directions.

Where a pharmacy supplies medication that is different from the medicine prescribed, the circumstances may also be relevant to Wrong Medication Claims.

How Can a Dispensing Error Affect You?

The consequences will depend on the medication involved and the nature of the mistake. Taking an incorrect medicine or dosage could cause side effects, an allergic reaction, worsening of an existing condition, or other complications.

In some circumstances, a dispensing error may also mean that you do not receive the medication you were prescribed, potentially allowing your original condition to worsen.

Where the original prescription was itself incorrect, rather than the error occurring at the pharmacy, the circumstances may instead involve Prescription Error Claims.

When Could a Dispensing Mistake Lead to a Claim?

Not every medication mistake will automatically amount to medical negligence. A claim may be possible where the error resulted from a failure to follow the appropriate standard of care and caused you injury or other measurable loss.

The circumstances of the dispensing error will need to be carefully reviewed alongside your prescription, medical records and the treatment you received afterwards.

Where the error forms part of wider failings in the treatment provided, it may also be considered as part of a Medical Negligence Claim.

Investigating Your Dispensing Error

A dispensing error claim may involve examining how the prescription was processed, checked and supplied. Relevant pharmacy records, prescription information and medical evidence can help establish what happened and whether the error contributed to your injury.

Where appropriate, independent medical evidence may also be required to assess the impact of the medication error on your health.

If the medication was supplied following treatment or a prescription from a GP, it may also be necessary to consider whether there were any wider concerns about the care provided, including potential GP Negligence Claims.

Compensation for Dispensing Errors

If your claim is successful, compensation may take into account the injuries and losses caused by the dispensing error. This could include the effects of additional treatment, ongoing symptoms, financial losses, and other consequences arising from the mistake.

If the dispensing error occurred in connection with treatment provided in a hospital, the circumstances may also need to be considered alongside Hospital Negligence Claims, depending on the facts of the case.

You may also be able to pursue a potential claim on a No Win, No Fee basis, subject to eligibility and the circumstances of your case.

Discuss Your Dispensing Error Claim

If you believe a pharmacy or healthcare professional supplied the wrong medication or made another dispensing mistake that caused you harm, Step Legal Solicitors can help you understand whether you may have grounds for a claim.

If it’s something we can help you with, your claim will be dealt with on a No Win No Fee retainer, otherwise known as a Conditional Fee Agreement. This means no upfront costs and no financial risks to yourself in the unlikely event the claim is ultimately successful.

For advice about Dispensing Error Claims, contact Step Legal Solicitors on 0800 195 6412 or get in touch through our online contact form. Alternatively, you can visit any of our offices during our working hours for a free, no-strings-attached consultation.