Veterans and military families rely on VA and military hospitals to handle their medications safely. Medication errors can cause serious injuries or death. These mistakes often stem from poor communication, low staffing, or broken protocols.
At the Archuleta Law Firm, our founder is an attorney and a medical doctor. Our team has recovered over $145 million for clients. We have 25+ years of experience with Federal Tort Claims Act cases.
If a medication error at an Iowa VA or military facility hurt you, you have rights. You can seek compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
What Causes Medication Errors at Iowa Military & VA Hospitals?
-
Prescription Drug Interactions: Doctors who ignore medication histories can cause dangerous drug interactions.
-
Incorrect Dosage Calculations: Wrong dosages can lead to overdoses or ineffective treatment.
-
Pharmacy Dispensing Errors: Staff may mix up similar-looking drugs or label them wrong.
-
Administration Mistakes by Nursing Staff: Nurses may give drugs incorrectly or to the wrong patient.
-
Inadequate Patient Monitoring: Not watching for side effects can let complications get worse.
-
Electronic Health Record Failures: Missing updates about allergies or medications can cause preventable errors.
Iowa Facilities Where We Handle Medication Errors Cases
We help clients at major VA and military facilities across Iowa.
Iowa City VA Health Care System - This center serves veterans throughout eastern Iowa.
Des Moines VA Medical Center - One of Iowa's largest VA facilities.
Iowa Army National Guard Medical Facilities - These centers must meet the same safety standards as larger facilities.
View all Iowa VA & Military Facilities
Warning Signs: Is Your Medication Errors Medical Malpractice?
- You had a severe reaction because staff skipped allergy testing
- Your condition got worse after receiving the wrong dose
- You got medicine that your chart showed you were allergic to
- Staff gave you medicine the wrong way (oral vs. IV)
- You received another patient's medicine by mistake
- Staff didn't watch for known side effects
- The pharmacy gave you the wrong medicine
Damages Available in Iowa Medication Errors Cases
Economic Damages
Victims can recover costs for:
- Extra medical treatment
- Hospital stays
- New prescriptions
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning ability
- Long-term care
Non-Economic Damages
Iowa law allows compensation for:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Lost enjoyment of life