If a medical professional or facility caused an overdose, this could be an act of medical negligence. A hospital, doctor, or any other healthcare professional who causes injury to a patient through negligence or omission is considered medical malpractice. This negligence might be an error in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, or health management.
Taking more than the normal or recommended amount is an overdose. An overdose can be deliberate or accidental. Please note that medical negligence could lead to an overdose of any drug, but the primary focus of this webpage is opioid overdoses.
How Medical Negligence Could Lead to an Overdose
Doctors and other healthcare providers must explain the risks of taking opioids. Although opioids can be an effective part of a pain management program, some healthcare providers are careless in prescribing and checking their patients.
Victims and Family Legal Rights
Patients who suffer an overdose from medical negligence might be entitled to compensation for damages such as medical bills and mental anguish. If the patient passed away from an overdose, it is possible that surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit.
Survivors of an overdose or family members should know their legal rights. A medical malpractice lawyer who accepts opioid overdose cases can provide this information.
Medical Negligence Factors in Opioid Abuse and Overdose
Opioids are extremely addictive. Doctors and other medical providers must be prudent in prescribing them to patients. They must regularly check patients who take opioids for an extended period to make sure patients are not abusing or misusing their medicine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that anyone could become addicted to opioid and subsequently overdose. Certain groups of people are at higher risk, including patients who are:
- Age 65 and older
- Have medical conditions such as sleep apnea, and impaired kidney or liver functions
- Are inconsistent with dosage
- Combine opioids with alcohol and other drugs
Any patient who takes opioids is at risk for overdose in certain situations. These include:
- Prescription too potent for their age and health
- Incorrectly filled by a pharmacist
- Inappropriate medication for a condition
- Inaccurate doses from hospital or facility staff
Prescription Opioid Abuse Is a National Crisis
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), more than 130 Americans overdose on opioids every day. In 2017, the NIDA reported 47,000 deaths from this highly addictive painkiller. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 40 percent of opioid overdose deaths are from prescription opioids. These includeOxyContin®and Vicodin®.
Free Consultation
If you or a loved one experienced an opioid overdose due to medical negligence, please call Newsome | Melton at 888-526-8947 for a free consultation.
Overdose - Frequently Asked Questions
Millions of dollars get paid out every year in medical malpractice claims. If you suffered injuries because of medical negligence or inadequate care from a healthcare provider, you deserve compensation. But how do you know if you have a malpractice case? If you experienced complications after a medical procedure, became sick or injured following care, or feel
Read MoreAccording to Business Insurance report, of the hundreds of lawsuits filed every year, only about half of medical malpractice cases go to trial. Fewer than 5 percent end in a verdict. Over 95 percent of medical malpractice claims result in out-of-court settlements. Hospitals and doctors are often eager to settle to avoid the potential of facing
Read MoreOverdose - News Articles
Hudson E. Myers was born with a rare heart condition requiring the replacement of his aortic valve, which is found on the left side of the heart. In 2006, when he was 17-years old, Doctor James H. Oury replaced the aortic valve with his pulmonary valve and replaced that with one from a cadaver. The
Read MoreAccording to the American Cancer Society, one out of every nine American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetimes. Due to advances in treatment, only one in 41 will die. The key is an early diagnosis. Michael E. Gunter, a Vietnam War veteran, was lucky to survive his bout with prostate cancer,
Read More