A defective medicine-administering machine during pregnancy can cause a number of problems for you and your baby. Receiving too much or too little medication could lead to additional complications related to the condition you are being treated for or side effects related to an overdose of the medication.
While a medicine-administering machine may seem like a good idea to ensure you receive the prescribed medication you need when you need it–and this is generally true–there are still concerns. The machine still requires a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to schedule the doses, set the amount, and determine the proper medication, so human error or carelessness are still a concern.
Failure of the machine or defects that cause a significant issue are also possible, leading to problems receiving the required and approved medication on time and in the correct amount.
Medication Errors Can Cause Serious Medical Concerns for Mother and Child
The primary concern related to a defective medicine-administering machine during pregnancy lies in the fact that it could lead to medication errors that significantly affect the health of the mother or the baby. This could occur when:
- The machine administers too large of a dose
- The machine administers doses too often
- The machine administers too small of a dose
- The machine does not administer doses often enough
- The machine fails to administer any medication
Every medication has its own risks and possible consequences, so the effects of medication errors can vary widely.
As an example, consider an insulin pump for a diabetic mother who relies on insulin. A malfunction in the pump could cause the mother to receive too much insulin, leading to a diabetic coma or even death for the mother and baby. Too little insulin could lead to diabetic complications for the mother and significant health concerns for the child, including excessive weight gain, low blood glucose levels at birth, and stillbirth.
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In General, Technology Usually Reduces the Risk of Medication Errors
Studies show that automated systems and other technology-based safeguards are vital to the prevention of medication errors. Because most of these errors occur as a result of careless mistakes, reckless disregard of protocols, or other medical malpractice, the use of technology can greatly reduce the risk. This could include:
- Digital ordering of medications
- Automated dispensing and the use of medicine-administering machines
- Barcode medication administration and reconciliation
However, this is not to say these systems are fool-proof. When any system has computers, moving parts, and electrical connections, and requires programming, there may be defects, failures, and other issues. There is no doubt that defective medical devices cause many people to suffer preventable injuries and illnesses each year.
The effects and outcomes depend greatly on what type of medication, the machine, and other factors. However, a defective device or failure may support a product liability or medical malpractice lawsuit in many cases.
Building a Case for Recovering Compensation
A defective medicine-administering machine during pregnancy may support legal action if you or your child suffered preventable injuries. Depending on what happened and what caused the issue, the defendants in your case could be the doctor treating you, the facility where you received care, or the manufacturer of the machine. You can contact the Birth Injury Lawyers Group to help you understand the facts of your case.
Your attorney will search the reports from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Medical Device Reporting (MDR) to identify other similar instances of poor performance or potential defects and safety issues with the machine in question. In some cases, we may uncover enough similar cases to support possible class action or another type of mass tort.
If you or your child suffered injuries because of a medication error or faulty medical device, you may be able to secure financial recovery based on your preventable injuries, ongoing needs, and more. Your attorney will take steps that include:
- Determining liability
- Compiling the necessary evidence
- Analyzing medical records
- Working with a medical expert to confirm malpractice or medication error
- Meeting all applicable deadlines to pursue a payout
- Negotiating a settlement or filing a lawsuit
You may be able to recover compensation for damages that include:
- Related medical care costs
- Ongoing care costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering and mental anguish
- Other related losses
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Talk to Someone Today About Your Legal Options
Call Birth Injury Lawyers Group to get help today: (800) 222-9529. You can receive a free case review and learn more about your right to take legal action by reaching out to our team. Each state has its own time limits and deadlines you will need to meet to protect your rights, so we encourage you to contact us to discuss your case as soon as possible.
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