Albuquerque Nursing Home Medication Error Attorneys

Types of Medication Errors Made in Nursing Homes

For a medication to do its job, residents must receive the appropriate dosages at the appropriate times and frequencies. Some medications must also be administered in a specific manner in order to be effective. Consequently, most medication errors are related to dosage, timing, or administrative method. 

Examples of common medication errors that frequently occur in nursing homes include:

• Administrating too high or too low a dosage
• Administrating medications too frequently or not often enough
• Administering medications at inappropriate times
• Administering the incorrect medication
• Slicing medications that cannot be crushed
• Failing to adequately mix or shake medications that require these actions
• Failing to ensure residents swallow medications
• Failing to ensure residents allow sublingual medications to dissolve
• Failing to provide accompanying sustenance for medications that must be taken with food
• Failing to provide sufficient liquids with medications that can trigger dehydration

Common Causes of Medication Errors in Nursing Homes

Though there are cases where an abusive staff member may intentionally sabotage medication administration to harm a resident, most medication errors in nursing homes are accidental. They are frequently the result of facilities that fail to adequately screen, hire, train, and monitor staff. 

Put another way, a nursing home staff member is more likely to make a mistake when they are overworked. Understaffing creates situations where staff members are forced to work long hours and care for an unrealistic number of residents. Exhaustion and burnout can steadily build, leading to scenarios where a staff member is not paying full attention to medication administration. 

An unqualified staff member hired by a negligent nursing home is also more likely to make serious mistakes. A staff member who does not receive proper training may not be aware of how to safely administer certain types of medications, leading to avoidable errors.

How to Prove Fault in Medication Error Cases

Nursing home staff members and medical professionals tend to be legally responsible for the consequences of negligent behavior. A nursing home can also be held liable for a staff member or medical professional’s medication error. If you are not sure whether you have a case, our Albuquerque nursing home medication error attorneys can review your situation and help you understand your legal options.

To prevail in a claim made against a nursing home for a medication error, you will need to prove:

• The nursing home owed a duty of care to your loved one. Nursing homes owe a legal responsibility to their residents by default.
• The nursing home breached this duty of care to your loved one. A nursing home may breach its duty to a resident if its administrators do not adequately staff the facility or train its employees. 
• This breach resulted in a medication error. Overworking staff or failing to properly train them can lead to situations where an employee makes a mistake. 
• The medication error resulted in harm. The medication error must have directly caused one or more serious injuries, or death. You do not have a case if your loved one suffered no serious injuries, even if a mistake was undeniably made. 

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Nursing Home Medication Errors Claim?

If we believe you have a case, we will help you report the misconduct to the appropriate authorities and explore filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties. Our firm’s team is well-versed in how to build and strategically approach these cases, and our familiarity with how these matters are adjudicated in New Mexico gives us the knowledge and tools needed to protect the interests of your loved one in and out of the courtroom. In addition to holding the nursing home accountable for negligence, we will also seek to recover compensation for economic and non-economic losses.

Our Albuquerque nursing home medication error lawyers will work to secure compensation for:

• Past, current, and future medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium

How Long Do I Have to File a Nursing Home Medication Errors Claim in New Mexico?

In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for filing a claim related to nursing home medication errors is generally three years from the date of the mediation or the discovery of the error. It's essential to understand that once this time frame expires, you may lose your ability to pursue legal action against the responsible parties. If you suspect a mistake was made during the mediation process, it's important to consult with an experienced lawyer promptly to ensure you meet all necessary deadlines and protect your legal rights.

How Our Nursing Home Medication Errors Attorneys Can Help You

We can assist you by:

• Reviewing the Medication Process: We will thoroughly review the medication records, correspondence, and the final settlement to determine whether there were any errors or unfair practices involved. This includes looking for any signs of negligence, misinformation, or failure to adhere to legal standards during the mediation.
• Assessing the Impact of Medication Errors: If we find that errors in the medication process have resulted in an unfair settlement or harmful outcome, we will work to assess the full extent of the damage. This may include uncovering additional injuries or costs that were not addressed in the original mediation.
• Negotiating Fair Resolutions: If medication errors have led to an unjust outcome, we are skilled in negotiating fair settlements considering the true extent of harm caused. We understand how to navigate complex negotiations and advocate for the best possible result for nursing home residents and their families.
• Pursuing Legal Action When Necessary: In some cases, medication errors may require further legal action. We are prepared to take your case to court if needed, ensuring you have a fair opportunity to present your case and receive the compensation you deserve.
• Providing Emotional and Legal Support: Dealing with nursing home issues can be emotionally and mentally taxing, especially when medication errors are involved. We provide compassionate support and guidance throughout the legal process, helping you feel confident in pursuing a fair resolution.
• Fighting for Accountability: Nursing homes and their staff are held to high standards of care and accountability. When errors occur during medication, those responsible should be held accountable for their actions. We work diligently to ensure responsible parties face appropriate consequences, leading to better practices and outcomes for future residents.

Contact Our Nursing Home Medication Errors Lawyer in Albuquerque Today

If you believe that nursing home medication errors have affected the care or well-being of your loved one, don't wait to take action. Our Albuquerque nursing home medication errors lawyers are here to provide you with the guidance and legal support you need to navigate the complexities of your case. We understand the challenges in these types of disputes and are committed to helping you achieve a fair resolution.

Let us help you understand your legal options and address the medication errors that have harmed your loved one. We are ready to stand by your side and fight for justice.

Do not wait to call our Albuquerque nursing home mediation errors attorney at (505) 295-2245 or contact us online if you learn your loved one was harmed by a medication error.