When doctors prescribe medication most people assume it is safe. Parents usually give little thought when pediatricians order antibiotics medication for their children. Unfortunately, as Orlando medical malpractice lawyers, we have seen too many people trust their doctors to the point where serious injury or death results.

In today’s healthcare market, thorough medical visits, safety checks and proper documentation can no longer be assumed. With medical practices trying to increase profits and health insurance paying less for medical services, less time is spent with patients. Too often this leads to errors in medication. For example, when a patient tells their doctor that they are allergic to penicillin and the doctor or hospital fails to document that, a fatal mistake can occur. While this happens on a regular basis, few people want to believe this.

When pediatricians prescribe powerful antibiotics it is necessary to order blood tests to monitor the level of the antibiotics. If the concentration of the antibiotic is excessive it can cause kidney damage. Who would believe that pediatricians would forget to order the blood tests? Yet, we have seen this happen with fatal results. Times have changed and healthcare consumers must take action to protect themselves. Do not be afraid to ask questions and make sure that all allergies are documented.