Prescription mistakes are a serious form of medical negligence. A medication prescription error happens when the wrong drug, incorrect dose, or unsuitable instructions are given to a patient. This can occur at GP surgeries, local pharmacies, or hospitals. In a town like Morecambe, where people rely on trusted services such as the Queen Victoria Centre, local chemists along the seafront, and the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust, even a single mistake can have severe consequences. Marley Solicitors has supported clients across the region who have suffered because of prescription errors, helping them to recover the compensation they are entitled to.
What is a medication prescription error claim?
A medication prescription error claim allows a patient to seek compensation after suffering harm caused by a prescription mistake. These errors may include:
- Receiving a completely different medicine to the one prescribed
- Being given an incorrect dosage, either too strong or too weak
- Overlooking a dangerous drug interaction with existing medication
- Prescribing a drug the patient has a known allergy to
- Confusing instructions or labelling that leads to unsafe use
If these mistakes result in injury, illness, or a worsening of your condition, you may have a valid claim.
Can I claim compensation for prescription errors in Morecambe?
Yes, you may be able to make a claim if a prescription error in Morecambe has caused you harm. Mistakes can happen in local GP practices, community pharmacies, or during hospital treatment. Patients in Morecambe should be able to trust that their prescriptions are handled correctly, and when this trust is broken, legal action may be possible.
Why do prescription mistakes happen?
Prescription errors are often the result of human error or poor communication. Some common causes include:
- Handwritten prescriptions being misread
- Incorrect data entry in digital records
- Lack of proper checks when dispensing medication
- Insufficient monitoring of possible drug interactions
- Miscommunication between healthcare professionals
How prescription errors affect patients
The effects of a prescription error can range from minor discomfort to life-altering harm. Some patients may experience short-term side effects, while others face lasting complications. Examples include:
- Severe allergic reactions
- Internal injuries or organ damage
- Delayed treatment of the original illness
- Worsening of an existing medical condition
- Long-term physical or psychological harm
In Morecambe, where many residents depend on repeat prescriptions for ongoing health conditions, errors can disrupt daily life and cause lasting setbacks.
Steps to take if you experience a prescription error
If you believe you have been affected by a prescription mistake, it is important to act quickly. You should:
- Seek medical advice immediately to correct the issue.
- Keep the packaging, prescription slip, or any pharmacy labels as evidence.
- Write down the symptoms you experienced and how your health was affected.
- Contact Marley Solicitors for specialist advice on whether you can pursue a claim.
Our solicitors can guide you through the process, helping you collect the right evidence and supporting you in every step of your case.
Why work with Marley Solicitors?
Marley Solicitors has extensive experience with medical negligence claims, including prescription errors. Our team understands the pressures on healthcare systems in towns like Morecambe and how damaging mistakes can be for patients. By choosing us, you will benefit from:
- A clear, straightforward explanation of your options
- Guidance on the strength of your case and the claims process
- Support in accessing medical evidence and expert reports
- The reassurance that many claims can be funded on a no win, no fee basis
What can compensation cover?
The compensation you may receive for a prescription error depends on the seriousness of the harm and its impact on your life. Claims often cover:
- Pain, suffering, and the effect on your daily life
- Costs of additional medical treatment or corrective care
- Loss of income if you were unable to work
- Transport expenses linked to your treatment
- Long-term care or rehabilitation if needed
Each case is unique, and the amount awarded will reflect your individual circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to bring a claim in Morecambe?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the error, or from when you realised the mistake caused harm, to start a claim.
Will I need my medical records?
Yes, your medical records and prescription details will play a key role in proving your case. Marley Solicitors can help you obtain these records and arrange for an independent medical assessment.
Speak to Marley Solicitors today
If you have been affected by a prescription error in Morecambe, you do not need to deal with the consequences alone. Marley Solicitors offers free initial consultations to discuss your situation and explain your options. Many of our clients choose to proceed on a no win, no fee basis, giving them peace of mind throughout the process.
Contact Marley Solicitors today to begin your claim and take the first step towards securing the compensation you deserve.
