As Americans, we are privileged to have access to many medications to treat our illnesses and medical conditions. However, it’s important that we remember that taking certain medications can put us at risk of suffering drug injuries.

Estimates show there are as many as 700,000 people will be injured by drugs this year alone. Of those individuals, an estimated 120,000 will be hospitalized.

The Causes of Drug Injuries

Reports indicate that one of the leading causes for medication errors in the United States are miscommunications between medical staff, prescribing doctors, and patients. Hospital staffs have routinely caused drug injuries by dispensing the wrong medication or giving patients too much or too little of a drug.

We must also consider the high volume of medications distributed in the U.S. each year. As many as one in five citizens take at least one medication on a regular basis, and one in 20 take up to five drugs per day. This has led to approximately 4 billion prescriptions filled in our nation annually and where there is a high volume of people, errors can happen.

Protecting Yourself From Drug Injuries

These numbers leave many wondering how they can prevent drug injuries. Most experts attest to better communication being crucial in this situation. Patients should ask plenty of questions to their doctors and pharmacists prior to beginning to take a new medication. A list of questions that should be asked was published in a recent issue of The Bay State Banner.

If you or someone you love has suffered a drug injury, an experienced drug injury lawyer can help protect your rights to compensation. At Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel, we’re here to answer any questions you may have. To get in touch with our legal staff today, just call (888) 485-8844.