When A Drug Rehab Facility Makes A Mistake

Your loved one did the right thing by seeking help for a chemical dependency problem. But the unthinkable happened and your loved one suffered an overdose, even though he or she was under medical supervision.

Could anything have been done to prevent this tragedy? Was the wrong course of treatment prescribed? Did the rehabilitation center or a drug treatment professional fail to meet the expected standard of care? You deserve answers to these questions.

The Bellwoar Kelly, LLP is a law firm dedicated to obtaining answers in cases involving drug rehabilitation malpractice, medical malpractice and other types of negligence. We seek full compensation and justice for every client.

Call us today at 610-314-7066 for a free consultation.

Improper Prescription Of Methadone

Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is one of the most common methods used to treat opioid addiction. Methadone is highly variable in its effects, and unless the drug is properly prescribed and the patient closely monitored, an individual can suffer an overdose. Most methadone overdoses occur during the first week of treatment.

Methadone can be prescribed for patients in these types of drug rehabilitation programs:

• Residential rehabilitation facilities
• Partial hospitalization and treatment programs
• Intensive outpatient programs
• Detox facilities

Methadone must be prescribed in the proper dose. If the drug treatment professional prescribes the wrong dose or improperly increases the dose, the patient can suffer ill effects, including a methadone overdose. If a drug treatment professional or clinic has made a mistake, the patient or patient’s family may have legal recourse in the form of a lawsuit. It must be noted that some methadone overdoses occur when a patient ingests methadone along with other drugs or alcohol. For that reason, not every methadone overdose case can be litigated.

Our attorneys will carefully investigate the facts surrounding your case. If your loved one suffered a methadone overdose due to the negligence of a physician, drug treatment professional or clinic, the Bellwoar Kelly, LLP will vigorously represent you.

Failure To Administer Naloxone

Naloxone (also called Narcan) is a drug used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. But in order to be effective, naloxone must be administered in a timely and proper manner. If a drug rehabilitation professional fails to recognize the signs of overdose, such as slow breathing, slow heartbeat, pinpoint eye pupils or unconsciousness, the patient may not receive naloxone in time to prevent a harmful and potentially fatal overdose. In that case, the patient or patient’s family may be able to take legal action. It could save the next life.

Free Consultation With A Lawyer

To learn more about your legal options, contact the Bellwoar Kelly, LLP by calling 610-314-7066. We have offices in West Chester and Pottstown, Pennsylvania.