Every patient trusts that the medication they are prescribed will be safe and effective. In Preston, thousands of prescriptions are issued every week in GP surgeries, pharmacies, and hospitals. While the majority are correct, mistakes can and do occur. A prescription or medication error may appear minor at first but can cause severe illness, allergic reactions, or even life-threatening complications.
If you or a loved one has suffered harm because of a prescription or medication mistake in Preston, you may be entitled to compensation. This guide explains medication errors, how they happen, and how to protect your health and rights.
What counts as a prescription or medication mistake?
Medication mistakes happen when an error is made in prescribing, preparing, or dispensing medicine. These errors can take different forms:
- Prescribing the wrong drug or incorrect dosage
- Failing to check for allergies or harmful drug interactions
- Dispensing the wrong medication in a pharmacy
- Incorrect labelling or unclear dosage instructions
- Giving medication to the wrong patient in hospital
- Failing to explain how to take the medicine safely
Errors may be caused by a single individual or by flaws in systems and procedures. Even small mistakes can have serious effects on patient safety.
Common causes of medication errors in Preston
Prescription and medication mistakes occur in a range of settings across Preston, from GP practices and pharmacies to hospitals such as Royal Preston Hospital. Common causes include:
- Human error due to fatigue, workload, or lack of training
- Miscommunication between GPs, pharmacists, and hospital staff
- Incomplete or outdated patient records
- Confusion between drugs with similar names or packaging
- Inadequate checking procedures or rushed dispensing
- Poorly designed systems or under-resourced healthcare teams
Identifying the cause of the mistake is an essential step in establishing liability.
The impact of prescription errors
The effects of a medication mistake vary depending on the drug involved, the dosage, and the patient’s individual health. Potential outcomes include:
- Allergic reactions ranging from mild rashes to anaphylaxis
- Worsening of the original condition due to missed treatment
- Unpleasant or dangerous side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or organ damage
- Long-term health complications requiring ongoing care
- Anxiety and loss of trust in medical professionals
In the most severe cases, medication errors can lead to permanent disability or even death. For families affected, the consequences are often devastating.
Who is responsible for medication mistakes?
Responsibility depends on where the error occurred and who was involved. Potentially liable parties include:
- Doctors – If the wrong drug or dose was prescribed
- Pharmacists – If incorrect medication was dispensed or instructions were unclear
- Nurses and healthcare staff – If medication was administered incorrectly
- Healthcare providers – If systems and processes failed to prevent mistakes
Where negligence can be proven, the responsible party may be held liable for harm caused.
Legal duties and negligence
Under UK medical negligence law, healthcare professionals owe patients a duty of care. This means they must act to the standard expected of a reasonably competent professional in their field. If their actions fail to meet this standard and a patient experiences harm, we may establish negligence.
Claims involving NHS hospitals or GP practices in Preston are often handled by NHS Resolution, while private clinics or pharmacies may rely on insurers. The process of investigating liability entails the review of medical records, pharmacy logs, and expert opinions.
Can you claim compensation for medication mistakes?
Yes. To succeed, a claim must usually prove three elements:
- A healthcare provider owed you a duty of care.
- That duty was breached by a prescription or medication error.
- The error caused you harm or worsened your condition.
Compensation is not about punishing doctors or pharmacists; it is about supporting patients and ensuring they receive the resources needed for recovery.
What compensation can cover
Compensation in medication error cases can address both financial and personal losses. It may include:
- Medical expenses for corrective treatment
- The cost of new medication or rehabilitation
- Lost income due to time off work
- Future loss of earnings if long-term health is affected
- Travel costs for appointments and treatment
- Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Counselling or therapy to address anxiety or trauma
The amount awarded depends on the seriousness of the harm and its long-term consequences.
Psychological effects of medication mistakes
The impact of a prescription error is not always visible. Many patients experience:
- Anxiety about taking future medication
- Fear of visiting healthcare providers
- Loss of confidence in doctors and pharmacists
- Stress and disruptions in family life
Claims acknowledge these psychological consequences and may include them in the awarded compensation.
How medication mistake claims are investigated
A solicitor will carefully investigate your case by:
- Requesting and reviewing your medical records
- Collecting pharmacy logs or hospital documentation
- Obtaining independent medical expert opinions
- Assessing the harm caused and long-term impact
- Gathering witness statements where relevant
- Calculating financial and personal losses
This process ensures claims are supported by clear evidence.
Steps to take if you experience a medication error in Preston
If you believe you have been affected, it is important to act quickly:
- Seek immediate medical advice if you have symptoms.
- Keep the packaging, prescription, and medication as evidence.
- Request copies of your medical records.
- Report the error to the GP practice, pharmacy, or hospital.
- Record your symptoms and how the error has affected you.
- Retain receipts for expenses linked to treatment or travel.
- Contact a solicitor experienced in medical negligence claims.
Taking these steps will protect your health and strengthen your claim.
Time limits for bringing a claim
In most medical negligence cases, you have three years from the date of the mistake, or from when you first realised harm was caused, to begin a claim. For children, the three-year period starts with their 18th birthday. Early action is strongly recommended, as evidence is easier to collect soon after the incident.
Why local expertise matters in Preston
Medication mistakes in Preston can occur in settings ranging from large hospitals to small local pharmacies. A solicitor with knowledge of the area understands how these institutions operate and can investigate effectively. Local expertise also helps when liaising with nearby healthcare providers and building strong cases.
At Marley Solicitors, we combine medical negligence experience with local knowledge to provide tailored advice for Preston residents.
FAQ
What if the medication error was corrected quickly?
Even if you quickly noticed the mistake, you may still be eligible to make a claim if it resulted in unnecessary pain, distress, or additional treatment.
Can I claim on behalf of my child or a relative?
Yes. Parents, guardians, or next of kin can bring claims on behalf of children or those unable to act for themselves.
What if I did not suffer permanent harm?
You may still have a valid claim if the error caused short-term illness, distress, or financial loss, even without lasting damage.
Speak to a Preston solicitor today
If you or a loved one has been harmed by a prescription or medication mistake in Preston, you do not need to face the consequences alone. Marley Solicitors can provide clear advice, investigate your case thoroughly, and help you pursue fair compensation.
Contact Marley Solicitors today to speak with a Preston-based solicitor about your medication error claim. With our support and local knowledge, you can move forward with confidence.