Prescription Errors: Understanding the Risks and Your Legal Rights (2 September 2025)

Prescription errors are a preventable but distressingly common occurrence in healthcare. While systems are designed to ensure the safety and efficacy of prescribed medication, mistakes can still happen at various stages of the prescribing and dispensing process. Such errors can have serious consequences for patients, ranging from mild side effects to catastrophic injuries or even fatalities.

How Prescription Errors Happen

Prescription errors may arise in various ways. GPs, pharmacists, or hospital staff may overlook crucial details, such as a patient’s allergy history or current medications. These lapses are often exacerbated by high workloads, rushed shifts, or incomplete patient records. In hospital settings, prescription issues frequently occur during shift handovers or when locum doctors unfamiliar with a patient's history provide out-of-hours care.

Errors might also involve incorrect dosages, drug interactions, or the dispensing of the wrong medication due to similar drug names or labelling issues.

The Consequences of Prescription Errors

The impact of a prescription error can range from minor discomfort to life-threatening complications. Common risks include severe side effects, dangerous drug interactions, or the exacerbation of existing health conditions. Certain high-risk medications—such as blood thinners, antidepressants, or anaesthetics—can pose significant threats if mismanaged.

In extreme cases, errors may lead to long-term health complications or fatalities. Bereaved families may be left seeking justice for loved ones lost due to negligent prescribing or dispensing.

Pursuing a Claim for Prescription Errors

Patients who have suffered due to prescription mistakes may be entitled to compensation. Under UK law, claims must be made within three years of the error or its diagnosis. For children, this period extends until their 21st birthday.

Duncan Lewis Clinical Negligence Solicitors specialise in handling prescription error claims. Whether the error involves wrongly prescribed medication, incorrect dosages, or catastrophic outcomes, we provide comprehensive legal support.

Seeking Legal Advice

Navigating the legal process can feel overwhelming, particularly after a traumatic medical experience. At Duncan Lewis, we understand the complexities involved in prescription error claims and are dedicated to securing justice for our clients.

We assist with all aspects of the claims process, from evidence gathering to securing compensation for medical treatment, rehabilitation, or other long-term needs. For cases involving severe or fatal outcomes, we provide sensitive and robust representation for affected families.

If you or someone you know has been harmed by a prescription error, contact Duncan Lewis Clinical Negligence Solicitors today. Our no win no fee service ensures you can focus on recovery while we fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Call us now on 020 7923 4020 for expert advice.

About the Author

Rebecca Thomas is a Director of Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury at Duncan Lewis Solicitors. She supervises a team dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for clients and assesses all clinical negligence and personal injury claims handled by the firm. Rebecca specialises in severe and complex cases, including birth, brain, surgical, and orthopaedic injuries due to delays, misdiagnosis, or negligent surgery. She also has extensive experience in ophthalmic cases, such as retinal detachment and laser surgery claim.

For advice in any clinical negligence or personal injury matter contact Rebecca via email at rebeccat@duncanlewis.com or by telephone on 02031141309

Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Solicitors is an award-winning law firm, is renowned for its exceptional legal services and commitment to justice. The company employs a team of highly skilled solicitors offering top-tier representation in 25 fields of law, and ranked as top tier by the Chambers and the Legal 500 legal guides, and as one of the top 250 law firms in the country by the Times. Duncan Lewis was crowned Law Firm of the Year award at the Modern Law Awards 2023, further establishing its credentials as one of the leading law firms in the UK.