The true extent of medication errors in New Jersey and throughout the country is staggering. Many of these are made by pharmacists who are pressed into doing more paperwork than they can possibly handle. The result is that stressed and burnt-out pharmacists are more at risk of harming the customers who trust them.
The rate of pharmacist burnout is increasing
Over 60% of pharmacists report experiencing burnout. Whether it is because they are working harder or they have more assignments piled on them, it is taking a toll. Job satisfaction is down, and medication errors are becoming more common. The rate is even higher among hematology and oncology pharmacists. This has created an unsustainable situation in which an aging and overburdened workforce is responsible for dispensing lifesaving drugs and treatment.
Pharmacist errors can be deadly
Oncology is an area where pharmacists need to be precise, and they cannot afford even a small error. Chemotherapy mistakes greatly reduce a cancer patient’s prospects of survival. Moreover, the side effects of chemotherapy after a drug mistake can be deadly. When they injure a patient, pharmacists can be held legally responsible for their errors. They can be sued for medical malpractice just as any doctor can. Professional pharmacists must use a reasonable amount of care in their work, and burnout is not an excuse for making mistakes. So long as you can tie their errors to your injuries, you could be in a position for compensation.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by a pharmacist’s error, you should see a medical malpractice lawyer immediately. The attorney could take steps to file a lawsuit on your behalf to help you seek the compensation you deserve.