Polypharmacy is the concurrent use of several medications, typically more than four. According to a study in the Journal of Mid-Life Health, polypharmacy is especially widespread among elderly persons. Advanced age makes seniors more likely to suffer from several chronic diseases needing medications. While polypharmacy can be beneficial for nursing home residents battling with several conditions, it also carries a number of risks and potential negative consequences. Undesirable negative consequences of polypharmacy for nursing home residents, according to the study, can be:
- Adverse drug reactions
- Interactions with other drugs
- Cognitive impairment
- Falls
- Urinary incontinence
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Allergic reactions
If a nursing home resident is receiving multiple medications, they need to be regularly monitored and observed for any adverse effects.
If your loved one suffered from injuries due to wrong medication or the effects of polypharmacy, a nursing home could be responsible. Learn how a Tulsa polypharmacy lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may help, and find out if you have a case against a nursing home.
Preventing Over-Medication
Sometimes, polypharmacy can be a sign of overmedication. According to the Journal of Mid-Life Health, polypharmacy is more common with the elderly in long-term care facilities than others. This can point to residents taking unnecessary medicines, or over-medication taking place in nursing homes.
If your loved one is suddenly taking more medications than before, and you notice a marked change in their demeanor such as fatigue, dizziness, or sleeping more, they may be suffering from overmedication or new adverse drug effects. It is important to discuss any changes or deterioration of your loved one with their caregiver, and consult with a medical professional if you are concerned.
Managing medications for the elderly can be a complicated task that needs reviewing frequently. This is one of the responsibilities of a nursing home. After all, you entrusted your loved one’s care to the nursing home with the hope that qualified staff would be tending to your relative’s needs, including their medical needs, around the clock. Staff is responsible for observing residents and detecting any changes or problems with medication. Not doing so can be a form of neglect, and nursing home neglect is illegal.
If you feel that a Tulsa nursing home has let your loved one down, you may wish to contact a Tulsa polypharmacy lawyer for help.
Nursing Home Polypharmacy Liability
A nursing home is not only responsible for administering the correct medicines at the correct time to residents, but it is also required to track and record a resident’s medications meticulously. Combinations of several medications can produce dangerous side effects and complications in an elderly nursing home resident. Caregivers need to be vigilant to any changes or adverse health effects in their residents and report any problems to a medical provider immediately.
Taking several medicines at once also carries the risk of missing doses or confusing medicines. In a nursing home context, elderly patients can be cognitively impaired or otherwise unable to responsibly take their own medication. Residents typically rely on staff for all their medication needs. The nursing home is responsible to ensure that a patient takes the prescribed drugs in the correct dosages.
In an understaffed nursing home, or a facility where staff are not adequately trained and qualified, potentially deadly mistakes can happen. Untrained staff may mix up medication, the patient might receive an incorrect dosage, or they might not receive their complete range of medications. Inexperienced and underqualified employees may also miss the signs of adverse drug reactions or drug interactions.
Further, polypharmacy can increase the chances of falls. The nursing home has the responsibility to protect residents from accidents and minimize their risk of falls. Falls can result in devastating head injuries and fractures.
In short, a nursing home can potentially be held liable for any negative effects of polypharmacy in various ways. If your loved one experienced any serious adverse health effects from a medication mix up or adverse drug reaction, you could receive compensation. A Tulsa polypharmacy lawyer can help you in assessing your legal options. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for your free case evaluation.
For a free legal consultation with a Tulsa Polypharmacy Lawyer serving Tulsa, call (800) 794-0444
Compensation for Polypharmacy Negligence
If your spouse or parent is suffering from adverse effects due to polypharmacy, over-medication, or receiving the wrong medication, the nursing home may be liable for neglect.
If you take a nursing home to court for their failings, you could receive compensation and recover the costs for medical expenses, medical devices, transportation costs, and any other expenses related to your loved one’s injuries. You could also potentially receive awards for pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life, among others.
If your loved one died as a result of polypharmacy or receiving the wrong medication, you could receive funeral expenses and other damages, depending on your case.
Tulsa Tulsa Polypharmacy Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Can Work for You
Proving liability of a nursing home can be complex and daunting in polypharmacy cases. You will potentially need solid evidence such as witness statements, medical reports, health charts, and expert witnesses to testify on your behalf. All this can seem overwhelming, but you do not need to struggle on your own. We can fight for you and do what it takes to build a case against a nursing home. Do not let the nursing home get away with neglecting your loved one.
Acting swiftly can be important to preserve crucial evidence. You will also want to adhere to any deadlines for personal injury or wrongful death cases set by the state of Oklahoma. The Oklahoma State Legislature stipulates two years for personal injury and wrongful death claims, starting with the date of injury or death. Working with a Tulsa polypharmacy lawyer as soon as you can after the injury or death from polypharmacy or wrong medication will give you peace of mind and ample time to build a case.
In the first instance, we can offer you a free consultation to answer any questions you might have and help you make an informed decision about filing a lawsuit. You do not need to worry about any attorney’s fees as we work on contingency and get paid only if we win your case. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm now for a free case review.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
