Negligently Prescribed Medication Causes Harm to Baby

A young woman was improperly prescribed a dangerous teratogenic (which causes birth injuries) drug for a minor condition. Unknown to her, the drug’s effects persist in the system for up to three years, and although this effect is not well known to the public, it is or should be well known to prescribing physicians and pharmacists. When she became pregnant less than six months after stopping the medication, she did not know that her baby was at risk, and sadly, the baby was born with a number of very difficult lifelong medical problems. This case highlighted the importance of patient education and the failure of multiple stop-gap measures including pop-up computer warnings, patient safety programs and pharmacy patient education. This complex case required multiple experts, but also illustrates the hidden dangers of many medications that people too trustingly accept.

Paula Sweeney‘s practice focuses on cases involving complex medical and scientific issues. She has been a leader in the field of medical malpractice for decades, and is well-known for her cross-examination skills.