Medication Error Attorneys in Reading, PA
We Fight for Clients Injured by Prescription Errors
Medication errors can happen at any point in the care chain. The prescribing physician may order the wrong drug or wrong dosage. Hospital nursing staff may administer a medication the patient is allergic to or fail to check for dangerous drug interactions. A pharmacist may dispense the wrong prescription entirely. When any of these failures occur, the consequences can range from a worsened condition to permanent injury or death. Injured patients deserve legal representation from attorneys who understand what it takes to hold negligent providers accountable.
At Liever, Hyman & Potter, we’ve represented wrongful injury victims since 1959. We handle only wrongful injury and death claims.
If you think you may have a medication error claim in Reading or the surrounding areas, call (610) 885-1991 as soon as possible.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Medication Error?
In medication error cases, liability can attach to more than one party. The prescribing physician may be responsible for ordering a drug contraindicated by the patient’s current medications or for failing to review the patient’s allergy history. Nurses who administer medication may be liable when the wrong dosage is given or proper administration protocols aren’t followed. A pharmacist who dispenses the wrong drug or provides inaccurate dosing instructions may face pharmacist negligence claims. Hospitals can also be held vicariously liable for the negligent conduct of their employed staff.
A successful claim requires more than proving an error occurred. You must show that the provider’s conduct fell below the standard of care, meaning a reasonably competent provider with the same training would have acted differently, and that this breach caused a specific, compensable harm. Not every adverse outcome qualifies. If you experienced an unexpected reaction or worsening of your condition following a medication change, document your symptoms, preserve all prescription records and discharge paperwork, and contact an attorney before speaking with the provider’s insurer.
Pennsylvania’s Legal Requirements for Medication Error Claims
Two deadlines govern medical malpractice claims in Pennsylvania, and missing either one can end a case before it begins. Under 42 Pa. C.S.A. section 5524(2), the statute of limitations for medical malpractice is two years. That clock generally starts on the date of the negligent act, though under Pennsylvania’s discovery rule it may instead begin on the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. Exceptions apply: for minors, the two-year period doesn’t begin until the minor turns 18; for wrongful death claims, it runs from the date of death.
Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1042.3 adds a second requirement. A certificate of merit must be filed with or within 60 days of the complaint. That certificate confirms that a qualified medical professional has supplied a written statement establishing a reasonable probability that the defendant’s conduct fell outside acceptable professional standards. Failure to file on time can result in dismissal regardless of the underlying claim’s merit. Because gathering medical records and preparing the certificate takes time, early contact with a Pennsylvania-admitted attorney is critical.
Our attorneys have been admitted to the Pennsylvania bar for decades. Lead attorney John R. Badal has been admitted since 1978, and navigating the Berks County civil litigation system has been the focus of his entire career. We encourage clients to reach out as soon as possible so we can begin preserving the evidence your case may need.
Why Clients Trust Liever, Hyman & Potter with Medication Error Cases
Medication error claims involve complex medical evidence, multiple potentially liable parties, and strict procedural requirements. They benefit from attorneys who have spent their careers on exactly this kind of work. Our four attorneys have devoted virtually all of their combined 115-plus years of practice to wrongful injury and death law. That isn’t a background developed alongside real estate or contract work. It’s undivided focus, built over decades.
Since our founding, Liever, Hyman & Potter's won thousands of awards and settlements for victims and their families, more than any other firm located in the Berks and Schuylkill County area. In a recent three-year period alone, our attorneys recovered more than 500 awards and settlements, including numerous million-dollar and multi-million-dollar results. Our published results include a $12.75 million settlement for failure to diagnose brain disease and a $6.5 million settlement for a teenage client who suffered a brain bleed resulting in hemiplegia. Past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, but they reflect the depth of experience we bring to every case.
The broader legal community recognizes our record: a significant portion of our clients come to us through referrals from other law firms, former clients, and community members. That reputation is why we’re known as “The Lawyers’ Lawyers.” Cases we accept are carefully reviewed and assigned to a civil trial attorney qualified to handle them.
Start with a Free Consultation
If you feel that you have a medication error case, contact Liever, Hyman & Potter as soon as possible. One of our experienced lawyers can be available immediately to help protect your case, guide you through the process, and deal directly with doctors, hospitals, and insurance companies. You’ll pay us no money until we recover money for you, after which our contingent fee will be based on a percentage of the award or settlement that will be clearly defined in the initial agreement to represent you. Our agreement says that you won’t have to repay any of the expenses that we may have advanced on your behalf unless we recover money for you.
Call (610) 885-1991 to discuss your medication error claim in Reading.
What Our Clients Say
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Working with Liever, Hyman & Potter Law Firm was an excellent experience from start to finish.Christie
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Andrew Fick and his team helped me with everything I needed in pursuing a personal injury case.Carlos A.
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I would highly recommend Liever, Hyman & Potter.Vanessa S.
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Andy Fick and his Liever, Hyman & Potter team fought hard for me.David D.
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He is a well-spoken and passionate attorney who actually cares about his clients.jeffrey r.
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He has always been responsive and professional, taking the time to review my issues.Howard J.
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Not only are the attorneys at this firm dedicated in obtaining successful results, more importantly, they also care about the personal well-being and health of their clients.Kevin B.
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Attorney John Badal represented me and did an outstanding job. The firm is very honest and upfront and does not blow smoke.Roxanne M.
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John went above and beyond to help me.Sean B.
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Between Stacey (paralegal) and Mike, they kept me up to date with emails, phone calls, and in-person meetings; making the entire process seamless.Blayne H.
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Andy gets the job done; he went above and beyond, exceeding my expectations.Nancy K.
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Everyone was thorough, professional, and supportive.Wendy B.
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My friend was impressed by the firm's compassion and genuine concern for his son's well-being.SARA P.
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The professionals of Liever, Hyman & Potter have a robust team of professionals who vigorously and diligently advocate.Adam N.
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Contacted me back very quickly, very professional.P N.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need?
The legal world is a complicated environment with countless nuances to take into account. As a result, there is a wide range of specialized attorneys dedicated to specific legal areas, such as criminal lawyers who handle criminal defense. With so many fields, it can be difficult to determine which kind of lawyer is best suited for your circumstances. If you call Liever, Hyman & Potter, P.C. and offer an overview of your situation, then they can help narrow down what kind of personal injury lawyer is best suited to handle your case. Our law firm was founded in 1959 and is knowledgeable in numerous areas of personal injury law.
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Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
After sustaining a severe injury, you will need to pay medical bills for treatment, potentially miss time at work, and experience pain and suffering. With a qualified and skilled lawyer’s assistance, it is possible for you to receive fair and full compensation for these damages. A knowledgeable attorney will increase your chances of reaching an acceptable settlement agreement and receiving more compensation than you would on your own. Additionally, personal injury lawyers can help settle a liability dispute to determine who is responsible for an accident.
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How Will I Know I Have a Case?
No one has to make this important decision by themselves. Contact Liever, Hyman & Potter, P.C., and set up a free consultation to go over your situation in detail. Our attorneys will be able to identify who you can sue and what you can expect to gain based on the facts of the accident and the laws in Pennsylvania. In most scenarios, you’ll have a case if it can be proven that someone acted carelessly and caused injuries. Applying this standard is more complex than it may initially appear, which is why it is important to consult us.
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When to Call a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
If you’ve sustained severe injuries in a car accident, you should reach out to a lawyer shortly after the crash takes place. Not only will a professional car accident attorney help you gather vital evidence before it is lost to help your case, but they can also handle communications with your insurance company and deal with the careless driver’s insurance company.
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What Should I Do if an Attorney or Insurance Adjuster Calls Me?
You should never speak with insurance adjusters for someone else involved in the accident. While they may sound friendly and sympathetic to your case, they are almost certainly trying to get statements from you that would reduce or eliminate the liability of their insured. This is also true when an attorney for another person contacts you.
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How to File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?
As previously mentioned, filing a medical malpractice lawsuit starts with contacting a lawyer. However, it is crucial that we have sufficient information before filing the claim because malpractice claims can be significantly more complicated than other lawsuits. Our dedicated attorneys will collect all of your medical records and thoroughly review them.
Your medical malpractice attorney must determine whether the case warrants a lawsuit before they file with the court. If we do go forward, we will rely on highly qualified doctors who will be able to explain why you or your loved one were wrongfully harmed by medical treatment.