In the United States, nearly 14.5 million children and adults that have had a history of cancer were healthy and alive as on January 1st, 2014. Unfortunately, it is estimated that 500 deaths occur each year in the country as a result of chemotherapy errors. Roughly 3% of errors that are related to chemotherapy are reported. Also, 63% of oncology nurses reported that chemotherapy errors occurred in their place of work.
In the United States, nearly 14.5 million children and adults that have had a history of cancer were healthy and alive as on January 1st, 2014. Unfortunately, it is estimated that 500 deaths occur each year in the country as a result of chemotherapy errors. Roughly 3% of errors that are related to chemotherapy are reported. Also, 63% of oncology nurses reported that chemotherapy errors occurred in their place of work.
Medication errors in chemotherapy are a common occurrence in hospitals across the United States. This treatment is not optional. It is what could save a cancer patient’s life as it can help in preventing the disease from spreading.
However, the fact is that chemotherapy involves dangerous drugs. If these drugs are not properly administered, they have the potential to kill. Accordingly, it is imperative that you know what you can do to help in preventing a physician, nurse or pharmacist from making a chemotherapy error that results in serious harm.
It is important to keep a few things in mind if you are receiving chemotherapy, such as:
- Learn about the type of cancer you have been diagnosed with and what type of treatment you will require.
- Make a list of the drugs and dosage that will be given to you. Make sure that the list is with you every time you go for treatment.
- Understand how the chemotherapy will be administered.
- Keep a note of the color of the infusion. This way, if you notice a difference at any time, you can ask questions before you are given the treatment.
- Make sure that you know and understand the planned chemotherapy schedule.
- Always confirm your medications before you take them.
- Keep a record of every chemotherapy treatment that you receive, including the date.
- Make sure that the doctor or nurse confirms your identity before starting the chemotherapy treatment.
- Make sure that you discuss all of the potential side effects of the treatment with your doctor.
While these steps may help in reducing the chances of chemotherapy errors, it is important to keep in mind that as a patient or a loved one of the patient, it may not be possible to avoid or prevent every mistake.
Ensuring that errors do not take place is the job of the medical professionals who are providing the treatment. If they make a neglectful error that leads to your injury or death of someone you love, you could be entitled to a legal recovery. Such a recovery from chemotherapy error could include compensation for current, past as well as future medical costs, pain and suffering, loss of income, out-of-pocket costs, and other such damages. If such an incident occurs, you should immediately speak to an experienced medical malpractice lawyer.
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If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of chemotherapy error, you should immediately seek the legal expertise of a qualified and experienced medical malpractice attorney at Rosenberg, Minc, Falloff, & Wolff of RMFW Law at 212-344-1000.
The first meeting is free. We know how to win cases. This is what we do. We have been winning cases for years since we know what legal buttons to push and when to push them. We are not paid until are you are paid. Give us a call. RMFW Law will build a winning game plan for you.
