Receiving the wrong medication or an incorrect dosage can have serious consequences. Patients trust healthcare professionals to prescribe medicines safely, but mistakes do happen. In Gosforth and across Tyne & Wear, people have suffered preventable harm after being given the wrong prescription or instructions. Marley Solicitors helps patients and their families make claims for compensation when medical negligence leads to injury, illness or financial loss.
What is a wrong medical prescription?
A wrong medical prescription occurs when a patient is prescribed or dispensed the incorrect medication, an unsuitable dosage or misleading instructions. Errors can happen at GP practices, hospitals, pharmacies or during repeat prescriptions. Serious mistakes can lead to adverse reactions, a worsening of the original condition, or long-term health problems.
Wrong prescriptions may involve:
- Being given the wrong drug entirely
- Being prescribed a dosage that is too high or too low
- Receiving a medication that interacts dangerously with existing medicines
- Having an allergy overlooked
- Being provided with incorrect or misleading usage instructions
Each of these situations can amount to negligence if it falls below the standard of care expected from a competent healthcare professional.
Common causes of prescription errors
Mistakes in prescribing or dispensing medication can arise from several factors:
- Misreading or miswriting patient notes
- Confusing drugs with similar names or packaging
- Failing to check patient allergies or existing conditions
- Poor communication between healthcare teams
- Inadequate monitoring of repeat prescriptions
- Time pressure and understaffing in busy medical settings
These errors are preventable. If they cause harm, the patient may be entitled to compensation.
Potential consequences of a wrong prescription
The impact of receiving incorrect medication can vary depending on the drug, dosage and individual patient. Some common outcomes include:
- Allergic reactions ranging from mild rashes to life-threatening anaphylaxis
- Toxic effects on organs such as the liver or kidneys
- Worsening of the original medical condition due to lack of proper treatment
- Serious side effects such as heart problems, seizures or bleeding
- Long-term complications requiring ongoing medical care
- Psychological distress, anxiety or loss of trust in healthcare providers
Marley Solicitors understands that the effects of a wrong prescription go beyond physical symptoms. We work to ensure that claims reflect the full extent of your suffering and future needs.
Proving negligence in a prescription claim
Not every medication error automatically results in a successful claim. To prove negligence, it must be shown that:
- The healthcare professional owed you a duty of care.
- That duty was breached by prescribing or dispensing the wrong medication or dosage.
- The breach caused you injury, illness or financial loss.
We obtain medical records, prescription histories, witness statements and expert opinions to demonstrate how the error occurred and what damage it caused. Our solicitors regularly handle complex medical negligence cases and understand the expert evidence required to build a strong claim.
Making a claim with Marley Solicitors
We aim to make the process straightforward and supportive:
- Initial consultation – We discuss what happened, review your documents and advise on whether a claim is likely to succeed.
- Investigation – We obtain your medical records, prescription notes and any relevant hospital or pharmacy documents.
- Expert evidence – Independent medical experts assess whether the care you received fell below acceptable standards and evaluate your injuries.
- Calculating losses – We identify financial losses such as lost earnings, treatment costs, travel expenses and care needs.
- Negotiation – We present your claim to the NHS or private provider’s insurers and seek a fair settlement.
- Court proceedings if necessary – If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we prepare your case for court and represent you throughout.
Many claims settle without a trial, but we are prepared to litigate if required.
Types of compensation available
Compensation in a wrong prescription claim typically covers:
- General damages – Payment for pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Special damages – Reimbursement for financial losses directly linked to the error, such as loss of income, corrective treatment costs, ongoing care, travel expenses and any adaptations needed at home.
In serious cases, future care costs and loss of earning capacity may form a significant part of the claim. Marley Solicitors ensures these are fully calculated so you receive the support you need now and in the future.
Time limits for making a claim
You usually have three years from the date of the negligent act or from when you first became aware of it to start court proceedings. For children, this period does not begin until their 18th birthday. If the patient has died, different rules may apply for the estate or dependants. Because evidence can fade, it is advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Wrong prescriptions in Gosforth and Tyne & Wear
Gosforth is home to busy GP practices, pharmacies and clinics that serve a large community. With high patient volumes, mistakes can occur if safety procedures are not followed. Marley Solicitors has a strong presence in Tyne & Wear and understands the local healthcare landscape. This local knowledge helps us gather evidence quickly, communicate with nearby providers, and navigate regional NHS structures effectively.
What to do if you suspect a wrong prescription
If you believe you have been given the wrong medication or dosage:
- Seek medical help immediately – Contact your GP, pharmacist or go to A&E if you experience adverse effects.
- Keep all packaging and documentation – Save prescription labels, leaflets and any notes given to you.
- Write down what happened – Note dates, times, names of staff and symptoms experienced.
- Do not dispose of leftover medication – It may be important evidence.
- Contact Marley Solicitors – We can advise you on your rights and next steps.
Taking these actions will help protect your health and strengthen any future claim.
Psychological impact of prescription errors
Being harmed by a trusted healthcare provider can be deeply distressing. Many people experience anxiety, loss of confidence in medical care or depression following a serious error. Our solicitors take a holistic approach to claims, recognising the need for psychological as well as physical recovery. We work to include the cost of counselling, therapy, and other mental health supports in your compensation claim.
Why choose Marley Solicitors?
Patients in Gosforth and across Tyne & Wear choose Marley Solicitors because:
- We have extensive experience in medical negligence claims, including prescription errors.
- We provide clear, jargon-free advice and regular updates.
- We gather expert medical evidence to support your claim.
- We negotiate firmly with NHS Resolution or private insurers to achieve fair settlements.
- We are committed to securing interim payments where possible so you can access treatment and cover living costs before the case concludes.
Our focus is on achieving the best possible outcome while reducing stress and disruption to your life.
Our commitment to clients
Each case is assessed based on individual facts, injuries, and future needs. Our goal is to:
- Secure maximum compensation for you and your family.
- Help you access rehabilitation and specialist treatment promptly.
- Reduce the burden of dealing with paperwork and insurers.
- Keep you informed and supported at every stage.
This personal approach has helped many clients recover from the consequences of medical errors and move forward with confidence.
Get in touch with Marley Solicitors
If you or a loved one has suffered harm because of a wrong medical prescription in Gosforth or elsewhere in Tyne & Wear, you do not have to navigate the claims process alone. Marley Solicitors is ready to provide expert legal guidance and compassionate support. Contact our team today for an initial consultation and take the first step towards securing the compensation and assistance you need.