Overdoses
You can overdose on just about any substance. Even drinking too much water – literally, mass amounts – can be deadly. With drugs, however, it takes much less to harm you. Drug overdoses can cause serious disruptions in or failures of normal body functions, which can result in hospitalization, permanent disability, or even death.
In the past few years, there have been a remarkably high number of drug overdose incidents in the United States. In 2005, there were 22,400 drug overdose deaths, both intentional and accidental. This shocking amount exceeded the number of homicides that year by several thousand fatalities.
Causes of Overdoses
There are a number of different causes of drug overdose. Many times, overdosing incidents result from illicit drug use or attempts at self-harm. However, drug overdosing can be caused by any of the following:
- Doctor’s prescription error
- Pharmaceutical error (such as a labeling mistake)
- Ignoring recommended dosing
If you have suffered an overdose injury as a result of a doctor or pharmacy error, then you may have the right to claim compensation.
Drugs Typically Involved in Overdoses
There are certain, legal medications that are more commonly used in overdose incidents than others. Narcotics and sedatives are the two most common medications involved in overdoses. While abuse of these drugs is one of the most common causes of overdose, these dangerous incidents can also result from negligent doctor and pharmacist recommendations.
Contact Us
If you have suffered an overdose as a result of a doctor or pharmaceutical error, then you may have the right to claim damages. The Washington medical malpractice lawyers of Fuller & Fuller can help you legally assess your situation. Contact them today by calling 800-570-4878 to schedule a free initial consultation.