Most New York residents will pick up their prescription from the pharmacy and head home immediately. Further, most people will begin taking the medicine without ever checking to ensure that the prescription that they received is indeed accurate. Many never even consider the fact that the pharmacist could have made a prescription error and provided the wrong dosage or even the wrong drug.
Unfortunately, this is more of a problem than most are aware. In fact, it isn't uncommon for the state Board of Pharmacy to receive hundreds of calls each year about improper dispensing of medications. Prescription errors can lead to serious harm and can even cause death.
It would be wise for people to take an extra few seconds at the pharmacy before leaving in order to examine one's medication. One should ensure that it is the proper medication and the accurate dosage. If it is not, it can immediately be taken up with the pharmacist on duty. Believe it or not, these few seconds could literally save a person's life.
However, if any New York resident has suffered an injury or a loved one has died as a result of a prescription error, it is important to realize that one has rights under New York law. Prescription errors are completely avoidable, and because of this, the pharmacist can be held liable for his or her actions. Pharmacists have a certain standard of care to provide and are trusted individuals in the community due to their prior training. However, when a pharmacist fails to provide a proper standard of care, they should be held liable for their actions and the harm that those actions have caused with a liability claim that can recover monetary damages.
Source: CBS 11 News, Mistakes With Your Medicine, Ginger Allen, Jan. 30, 2014
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