A sudden change in a family member’s condition after receiving medication may be the first sign that something went wrong with their care. Confusion, drowsiness or a new illness may signal a medication error. If a preventable mistake causes harm, the nursing home may be legally responsible.
How medication errors happen and what signs to watch for
Changes in lab results or vital signs, as well as an unexpected hospital visit, may signal an error. When unsafe care or poor staff training causes preventable harm, families may have grounds to pursue a legal claim or file a complaint with the state agency that oversees nursing home licensing.
Common problems include:
- Outdated medication records
- Poor communication with doctors or pharmacies
- Inadequate staff training or supervision
- Understaffing and rushed medication rounds
- Failure to track allergies or medication changes
Insulin, blood thinners, opioids and sedatives can cause serious harm when given incorrectly. A side effect alone does not prove negligence. A medication error claim generally requires showing that the facility owed the resident a duty of proper care, that it failed to meet that standard and that the failure caused actual harm and that the harm resulted in compensable damages. A legal professional can review the facts and evidence to assess the claim.
Evidence that can support a medication error claim
Comparing medical records against physician orders and nursing notes can reveal discrepancies that symptoms alone would not show.
Important evidence may include:
- Medication records: These identify the drug, dose and time of administration.
- Physician orders: These document the originally prescribed drug and any treatment changes.
- Pharmacy records: These may reveal errors in prescribing or dispensing.
- Nursing notes: These track symptoms and changes in the resident’s condition.
- Incident reports: These document how the error was discovered and how staff responded.
Medication reconciliation records may reveal errors after a hospital stay or transfer. An outdated order can cause a missed dose, duplicate medication or continued use of a stopped drug. Staffing and training records may show whether poor practices contributed to the medical error. A medical professional can assess whether the error caused a hospital stay, worsened an existing condition or led to lasting harm.
What families can do after a nursing home medication error
Medication errors in nursing homes can cause serious and lasting harm. Connecticut law protects nursing home residents and requires facilities to follow proper care standards. When a medication error causes an injury, the facts may show whether the facility failed to meet those standards and whether a legal claim may apply.
Connecticut law also sets deadlines for nursing home negligence claims. In most cases, a claim must be filed within two years after the injury is discovered or should have been discovered. A three-year limit may also apply. Prompt action can help preserve medical records and other key evidence