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Boots Pharmacy Wrong Medication Compensation Claims Guide

Have you suffered adverse effects due to an incorrect prescription? Has a Boots Pharmacist dispensing error caused you avoidable harm? If that is the case, then you might be searching for legal advice on how to make a claim. A Boots Pharmacy wrong medication error is never a foreseen event, but they have the ability to cause life-altering health implications. Unfortunately, inaccurate or incomplete medication could cause a pre-existing condition to get worse, bring on adverse side effects, or it could lead to something more severe, such as anaphylactic shock or death.

Boots Pharmacy wrong medication claimsHere at Legal Expert, we understand that a medical mistake can be a costly experience, and the impact of a medical error could lead to significant and costly consequences. In this guide, we’ll outline the various ways a Boots Pharmacy could negligently cause their patient’s avoidable harm and how our panel of medical negligence solicitors could support those that are considering a medical negligence claim. If when reading this guide you wish to speak with an adviser, our team is standing by to take your call and answer any questions that you might have

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A Guide To Boots Pharmacy Prescription Error Claim

Those that visit a Boots Pharmacy will receive high-quality treatment. All physicians, pharmacists included, are incredibly knowledgeable and skilled at their occupation. Most patients will leave a Boots Pharmacy with the medication they require, in the right dosage, along with the appropriate instructions. This is because those who dispense, monitor, and prescribe medication are held to a high code of ethics. But if a medical professional was to deviate from their duty of care and code of ethics, it could cause a medication error to occur.

If you have been subjected to an incorrect prescription or a dispensing error that has caused you avoidable harm, then you might be searching for legal advice on how to claim against the negligent party.  This guide shall answer the following questions:

  • What is a personal injury claim?
  • What is a medication error and how are they caused?
  • Can you sue a pharmacy for giving you the wrong prescription?
  • What is the average settlement for a medication error?
  • Could a Boots dispensing error cause me harm?
  • What is a No Win No Fee agreement?
  • How could Legal Expert assist me when making a claim?

By the end of this guide, you will have the relevant information you require regarding medical negligence claims against a Boots Pharmacy. However, if you get to the end of this guide and have any additional questions, why not give a member of our team a call on the number at the top of this page? Our advisers would be more than happy to speak with you, and they can offer free, no strings attached legal advice.

What Is Boots Pharmacy Prescription Error?

You might be questioning what is meant by a Boots Pharmacy Prescription error and pondering how incidents of this nature are caused. When we visit a professional for medical advice, we often place a lot of faith in their knowledge and skills. Medical professionals are held to a high code of ethics, which has been outlined by the General Medical Council (GMC). They state that good practice in prescribing and managing medication requires clinical professionals to:

  • Prescribe drugs/treatment (including repeat prescriptions) with adequate knowledge of the drugs and patients needs;
  • Provide treatment that is based on the best available evidence;
  • Ensure the care or treatment provided for each patient is compatible with self-prescribed over-the-counter medication (where possible);
  • Make clear, accurate, legible documentation.

Unfortunately, if a medical practitioner were to deviate from their duty of care, it could cause cases involving inaccurate or incomplete medication. Errors of this nature could lead to a pre-existing condition injury or illness to worsen, or, it could create new health-related problems. This could involve psychological and physical effects, and in severe cases, a medication error may even be fatal.

Statistics – How Many People Are Prescribed The Wrong Medication?

According to a study conducted by the NHS, 1 in 20 prescriptions that were written included an error. These statistics were part of a survey that was held in 2012. The study explored whether GP’s could make regular mistakes when prescribing medicine by examining 15 GP surgeries and 1,777 patients. In total, the study examined over 6,000 prescriptions that were issued at various GP surgeries across England. It took into consideration dosage, record keeping, and giving the patients the appropriate check-ups they need to assess their medication. The research found that 42% of errors were thought to be minor, 54% moderate, and 45 severe. This research was conducted over 12 months, and the final results include the following statistics:

  • 18% of prescription-related errors involved the dosage or strength of the medication
  • 11% of the prescription-related errors involved timing
  • 1 in 550 prescriptions was associated with a severe error
  • 4 in 10 patients aged 75 years of age (or older) had a prescription error.
  • The most common type of monitoring error was a failure to request monitoring (69%).

Causes Of Pharmacies Making Wrong Medication Negligence Errors

When discussing the causes of a pharmacy medication error, it is crucial to differentiate the various methods which could contribute to an error of this nature. To create a more precise understanding, we have outlined the various factors below.

  • Prescription Error – A prescription error is when the wrong medication, the wrong dosage, or the dispensing of medication is incorrect. As a result, it could cause a patient adverse effects.
  • Transcription Error – An error of this nature could be caused if someone’s handwriting isn’t clear enough. This could lead to a pharmacist misreading the writing on the prescription, resulting in a medication error.
  • Dispensing Error – A dispensing issue refers to those who work as a part of the pharmacist team. It is their sole responsibility to ensure a medication error, such as a mix-up, doesn’t occur. A failure to do so could make them liable in the event of a medical error.

Types Of Wrong Medication Errors Which Could Be Made By A Pharmacy

Medication errors are not to be taken lightly. They have the ability to cause adverse and life-altering complications. To ensure mistakes of this nature are minimised, there is a code of ethics outlined by the General Medical Council (GMC), who states that:

  • Pharmacists must keep their knowledge up to date and acknowledge their limits.
  • Pharmacists are responsible for the prescriptions they sign for and the decisions they make.
  • Pharmacists must make good use of the resources available.
  • Pharmacists must keep up to date with the law, guidelines, and the various regulations that are relevant to their work.
  • Pharmacists must not act if they are unsure of the medication they are prescribing.

Despite the measures set in place, if a pharmacist were to deviate from their duty of care, it could cause a medication error. If a departure from the duty of care and standards in practice were to occur, it could lead to one of the following complications:

Incorrect Mixing Of A Prescription

Pharmacist’s handle numerous amounts of pills and prescriptions every single day, and to ensure their patients receive accurate and suitable treatment, a pharmacist must remain up to date with their medical knowledge and be extremely organised. If a pharmacist were to incorrectly mix a perception, this could cause serious health ramifications for an innocent patient. For example, mixing certain drugs, such as antibiotics and oral contraceptives, should be avoided as they can cause various reactions.

Dispensing Of The Wrong Prescription

Taking the incorrect drug isn’t always your fault. It is the pharmacist’s legal duty to prescribe you the correct medication. However, it is always advised to check your medication before taking it. This is because the dispensing of the wrong prescription could lead to various health implications. 

Administration Errors

Errors in administration could occur through a system failure, such as understaffing, human errors, or equipment errors.

Using Damaged Ingredient

If a pill is broken, or if the sealable cap on a medication bottle has been broken, you should always inform your pharmacist before taking the medication. This is because the medication could be damaged, incorrect, or cause avoidable complications.

Given The Wrong Instructions

Providing clear and concise instructions is extremely important when prescribing medication to ensure the patient takes the medication correctly. Instructions should answer simple questions, such as:

  • Is the medicine chewable?
  • Should the pills be cut up?
  • How much should be taken over 24 hours?

What Could Be The Side Effects Of Wrong Medication Errors?

Taking the wrong medication that isn’t prescribed for you could have various consequences to your health and well-being. The type of side effects you could encounter will be influenced by the kind of medication that has been prescribed/taken. In the short-term, an incorrect prescription could lead to mild symptoms, such as nausea or headaches. But in severe cases, a medication error has the ability to cause the following implications:

  • Disability.
  • Anaphylactic shock (if you are allergic to an ingredient).
  • Liver damage.
  • Seizures.
  • Abnormal heart rhythms.
  • Internal bleeding.
  • Cancer.
  • Death.

If you have been prescribed the wrong medication, then the condition you initially had will no longer be getting the necessary treatment it needs. Instead, the incorrect prescription could cause you avoidable injury or harm. In severe cases, a medication error could cause a patient to have an allergic reaction, which could lead to an anaphylactic shock. Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, which often includes the following symptoms:

  • Dizziness.
  • Wheezing.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Swelling of the tongue.

Anaphylaxis can affect people of all ages, including children. If you or a loved one have been negligently exposed to the wrong medication and have suffered avoidable pain, then please speak to a member of our team on the number at the top of this page. Here at Legal Expert, we understand the severity of a medication error, and we could connect those that have been affected to a medical negligence solicitor from our panel.

Steps To Take To Prevent Pharmacy Errors

If you have been involved in an incident that has caused you unforeseen harm, then you should try to follow the steps listed below. But first, you must raise your claim for compensation within 3 years of the negligent incident occurring. This is known as the statutory claims time limit. The time limit is the same in medical negligence cases and personal injury claims too. A failure to begin a claim within this time limit may prevent you from making a claim for compensation. However, it must be stated that the claims time limit could come into action at a later date. For example, if a pharmacy error were to cause delayed health complications, then the time limit could come into effect from the moment the delayed illness is officially diagnosed.

If you have been involved in an incident that has caused you harm, then you should consider following the steps below:

  • Take photographs – Having photographic evidence to support your claim can be extremely useful. Take pictures of the likes of packaging or any apparent effects of the wrong medication, such as swelling.
  • Visit a hospital or GP – Visiting a hospital or your GP ensures your injury is officially documented.
  • Swap contact details – Swapping details with those who witnessed the negligence could be useful as they could provide support to your claim.

These are some simple steps you could consider if you have been involved in an accident that was caused by medical negligence. Not only will these steps help you throughout the claims process, but they can be used as evidence to support your claim.

Prescription Error Compensation Claims Calculator

You may wonder how much compensation you could be entitled to when making a claim, which is a reasonable question to ask. When pursuing a claim for compensation, there are two heads of claim that could make up a settlement package: general damages and special damages. Within this section, we’ll look at general damages. General damages could be awarded to those that experience a degree of physical injury or psychological trauma. To illustrate how the severity of an injury plays a crucial role within the claims process, we have provided a table detailing relevant injuries and their potential values. This is similar to a personal injury claims calculator, though we find this table easier to use

 

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The Type of Injury The Severity of the Injury Amount of Compensation Awarded The Injury Description
Kidney Damage Minor £28,880 to £42,110 Kidney damage of a minor nature is often associated with the loss of one kidney, with no damage to the other.
Kidney Damage Severe £158,970 to £197,480 Severe Kidney damage is associated the with the loss of, or permanent damage to both kidney. This will cause a plethora of medical complications, pain, trauma, and life-altering effects
Bowel Damage Minor £11,820 to £22,970 Bowel damage of a minor nature is expected to cause permanent damage, with an eventual return to natural function and control.
Bowel Damage Severe Up to £172,860 Severe bowl damage is often associated with incontinence namely total loss of natural bowel function, the complete loss of urinary function, with additional complications.
Brain Damage Minor £14,380 to £40,410 Minor cases of Brain Damage are often expected to make a significant recovery. However, the affected individual may experience a degree of behavioural issues, concretion issues, memory loss, and future work prospects could be affected.
Brain Damage Moderate £140,870 to £205,580 Moderate levels of brain damage are expected to cause a intellectual deficit, a personality change, an effect on sight and speech. In many cases, a risk of epilepsy and no prospect of employment.
Brain Damage Severe £264,650 to £379,100 Severe brain damage will cause life-altering health implications. Most people will experience a loss of basic commands, sensory impairment, at the loss of communication, epilepsy, and will have an extent of physical limitations. This bracket may also include quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

 

The compensation amounts listed within the table above are based on the Judicial College Guidelines, a legal publication used by solicitors and the courts to value claims. To gain a more precise figure, you may wish to get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable advisors. They’ll discuss your unique circumstances and advise you on a potential figure. Simply call the number at the top of this page.

What Could My Claim Against A Pharmacy Include?

If you pursue a claim for compensation, then you might question what factors could be included in your potential claim? If you have suffered a financial loss or incurred any expenses as a result of a Boots Pharmacy error, then you could be awarded special damages.  To recoup your losses and expenses, you will be required to provide evidence, such as receipts, bank statements, and various forms of financial documentation.

Special damages could be awarded for costs and losses such as:

  • Medical expenses
  • The loss of future income
  • The loss of income
  • The loss of career prospects
  • The requirement of aftercare (such as hospice care)

No Win, No Fee Claims For A Boots Pharmacy Wrong Medication Error

A medical negligence solicitor from our panel could offer to handle your claim under a No Win, No Fee agreement, also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). An arrangement of this nature acts as a mutual contract between you and your solicitor, outlining the financial portion of the claim. Not only does an understanding of this nature reduce the threat to your finances, but it eliminates the financial burden of upfront fees. Likewise, you won’t be required to pay any fees during the claim, and if your case does not succeed, you will not have to pay any of the fees your solicitor has incurred in pursuing your case. 

If your claim is successful, then your solicitor may ask for a small contribution toward their fees. This is known as a success fee and is legally capped. Don’t worry, the success fee will be set out in clear terms before the claim begins. 

To discover whether a solicitor from our panel could handle your Boots Pharmacy wrong medication claim under a No Win, No Fee agreement, please contact a member of our team today.

Why Choose Us To Claim For A Boots Pharmacy Wrong Medication Error

If you have suffered due to a Boots Pharmacy error, then you might consider claiming compensation. If that is the case, choose  Legal Expert to support you. Not only can we provide free, no strings attached advice, if we feel you have a good case, we can connect you with a specialist medical negligence solicitor from our panel. With decades of experience, our panel of solicitors is well-versed in medical negligence law. They’ll expertly guide you through the claims process, debunking legal jargon on the way. They will not rest until you get the compensation you deserve and will keep you fully updated throughout your claim. And if ever you have a query, they’ll be on hand to take your call. So if you wish to make a claim for compensation for a Boots Pharmacy wrong medication error, please contact a member of our team to begin the claims process.

Start Your Boots Pharmacy Wrong Medication Claim

If you have suffered due to the negligent actions of a Boots Pharmacy, why not contact Legal Expert and begin your claim? There are various ways you could contact a member of our team. Firstly, you could enquire online through our submission form. Once submitted, a member of our team will review your enquiry, and contact you at your earliest convenience. Alternatively, you could speak to one of our advisers via telephone. Our phone lines are free to call, and our team of advisers would be more than happy to speak with you. Not only could they answer any queries that you might have, but they can also offer a free legal consultation.

If you wish to speak with an adviser, the number to call is 0800 073 8804.

If you wish to enquire online, please click here.

Essential References for Boots Pharmacy Wrong Medication Claims

Within the following section, we have provided crucial references that could provide those seeking more information on a Boots Pharmacy wrong medication claim clarity and extra resources.

Clinical and Medical Negligence Claims
Could I Make A Claim For Medical Negligence?

Hospital Negligence Claim
Does A Hosptial Owe Me A Duty Of Care?

Misdiagnosis Claim
Could I Make A Claim For A Misdiagnosis?

Written by Brennan

Edited by Billing