Medication errors in nursing homes can cause significant health damage to the residents there, and in worst cases, even death. When you put your loved one in a nursing home, you want the facility to employ the best standards of care. This is particularly because the residents are typically old people who are vulnerable to getting hurt and injured.
 
When nursing homes fail to use proper medication administration protocols, they put the residents in life-threatening conditions. This negligence can take various forms, such as incorrect dosages, administering the wrong medication, or failing to monitor residents. It can be disheartening to know that the facility you trusted has acted unprofessionally.
 
If you believe your loved one has suffered in their nursing home due to a medication error, take legal action immediately by contacting a nursing home abuse lawyer in Des Moines. It is particularly important to hire someone specializing in elderly law or nursing home negligence. Proving medication errors can be challenging, which is why an expert’s help becomes invaluable.
 

Medication errors in nursing homes are a significant problem. The residents completely rely on the nursing home staff for their medication management. These errors can include administering the wrong medication, incorrect dosages, or failing to provide necessary doses.
 
According to a report by the Food and Drug Administration, there are about 100,000 cases of medication errors reported, out of which many come from nursing homes. The saddest part is that most of these errors are preventable. Medication errors can have severe consequences, including falls, fractures, and even life-threatening conditions.
 

There are certain criteria that you must meet to pursue a successful claim against a nursing home for medication errors in Iowa. The plaintiff must establish four elements of negligence, which include duty, breach, causation, and damages.
 
First, you must prove that the nursing home must provide the resident with a standard of care that meets the guidelines. Secondly, the nursing home failed to maintain that standard of care and showed negligence in care. This is a breach of the duty.
 
Thirdly, you have to show that the medication error directly caused harm or injury to the resident. Finally, you have to provide evidence of harm, which can include medical bills, physical pain, and emotional distress.
 

There are various common types of medication errors. These include the following:
 

 

Yes, negligence plays a major role in such cases. Nursing homes owe a duty of care towards residents, and when they fail to provide that, they are negligent. This type of negligence can arise from inadequate training, poor communication, or understaffing.

 
Gathering evidence is crucial to building a strong case in Iowa. Legal experts and attorneys recommend documenting everything, from injuries to conversations with the staff. Some vital pieces of evidence to collect include medical records, doctor’s statements, witness statements, and expert opinions.
 

Living away from your loved one can already be emotionally challenging. When you find out that they have been injured at their facility, it can be particularly enraging. Hire a nursing home injury attorney in Iowa to get justice today!