Prescription Error Claims

What is a prescription error claim?

If you’ve been issued a prescription that was for the wrong type or dosage of medicine, you could have grounds to make a claim for compensation.

The consequences of prescription errors vary in severity. This will ultimately depend on how long you were taking the incorrect medication for and how badly you react to it.

If you’ve been affected by a prescribing error, you may find that you suffer from:

• An allergic reaction
• Headaches
• Liver damage
• Nausea
• Seizures

In the most tragic cases, prescription errors can even be fatal. According to NHS England, 29 people died in 2021 after receiving an incorrect prescription.

There’s no denying that the effects of prescribing errors can be devastating. If you or a loved one has suffered harm because of a prescription error, we could help you take the first step towards compensation and support.

What are some examples of prescription errors?

Prescription errors can happen in a number of ways. Some of the most common include:

• Giving a prescription to the wrong patient
• Prescribing medication that will react badly with other another drug the patient is taking
• Prescribing medication when the patient is known to be allergic to it
• Prescribing the wrong dosage

There are also instances where patients will wrongly be prescribed repeat medication without having regular check-ups booked in. This can be very dangerous as it allows more time for damage to be done if the drugs prescribed are not suitable.

How can First4Lawyers help?

You have a right to be treated appropriately by medical professionals. When this doesn’t happen and you receive the wrong prescription, you are entitled to justice and compensation.

We work with expert medical negligence solicitors who are experienced in handling prescription error claims. They’ll work to secure you a settlement that reflects the impact the negligence you suffered has had on your life.

Any compensation you receive could help you pay for any further medical care you may need. And if you’d had to stop working, your settlement could help to minimise any money worries you may have.

For these types of claims, we offer a No Win No Fee service. This means you won’t have to worry about paying anything if your claim is unsuccessful, so you can focus on your recovery.

Prescription error claims FAQs

How much compensation could I claim for a prescription error?

Any compensation you receive will depend on your individual situation. But your settlement will most likely be split into two parts: general damages and special damages.

General damages consider the pain and suffering you’ve been through as a result of the negligence you experienced.

Special damages compensate for any impact your case has had on your finances. This could include the cost of further medical treatment, or a loss in earnings if a prescription error left you unable to work.

For an estimate of how much your prescription error claim may be worth, you can use our compensation calculator.

Is there a time limit on when I can make a prescription error claim?

There will usually be a three-year time limit on when you can make a claim after suffering a prescription error. This could be from when the error took place, or from the date you first became aware of it.

In some cases, these time limits will vary. For example, if the claim is on behalf of a child or someone who is lacking mental capacity. But we would always encourage starting the claims process as soon as you’re able to. This will help your solicitor build a strong case to secure you the best outcome.

What should I do if I’ve been given the wrong prescription?

If you’re feeling unwell after taking your prescribed medication, or you feel that something isn’t right, the most important thing to do is seek medical attention. Speak to your GP about the medication prescribed to you and your concerns.

After this, you should consider making a prescription error claim. Our friendly claims advisors can discuss your situation with you and answer any questions you may have about the process.

You can contact us by calling the number at the top of the screen or by requesting a callback. There’s also the option to fill in our quick and simple online claims form.