Medication Errors

Michigan Medication Error Claims

Medication errors are among the most common — and most preventable — forms of medical negligence in the United States. When a doctor prescribes the wrong medication, a pharmacist fills a prescription incorrectly, or a nurse administers the wrong dose, the consequences can range from allergic reactions and organ damage to death. At Koussan Law, we hold every party in the medication chain accountable when their negligence harms Michigan patients.

Types of Medication Errors

Medication errors occur at every stage of the prescribing and dispensing process. Prescribing errors include ordering a drug the patient is allergic to, prescribing contraindicated medications that interact dangerously, or selecting the wrong dosage. Dispensing errors occur when pharmacists fill prescriptions with the wrong drug or wrong strength. Administration errors happen in hospitals and nursing homes when staff give medication to the wrong patient, at the wrong time, or via the wrong route. Monitoring failures occur when providers fail to check blood levels or organ function for medications that require ongoing surveillance.

Michigan Law on Medication Negligence

Medication error claims against doctors and hospitals fall under Michigan's medical malpractice statute (MCL § 600.2912a), requiring notice of intent and an affidavit of merit. Claims against pharmacists and pharmacies may be pursued under standard negligence principles when the error involves dispensing rather than clinical judgment. Michigan's two-year statute of limitations applies, with a discovery rule for errors not immediately apparent.

The Devastating Impact of Medication Errors

Medication errors can cause liver failure, kidney damage, cardiac events, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), internal bleeding, seizures, coma, and death. Elderly patients and children are particularly vulnerable. When a medication error causes serious harm, the responsible parties must be held accountable for all resulting medical costs, pain and suffering, lost income, and long-term care needs.

Call Koussan Law at (313) 800-0000 for a free evaluation of your medication error case.