When we place a loved one in a nursing home, we expect them to receive proper care — including the correct administration of their medications. Unfortunately, medication errors are far more common than many realize, and they can lead to serious injury, hospitalization or even death.
If your loved one has suffered harm due to a medication error in an Illinois nursing home, you may be wondering if you can take legal action. The answer is yes — under certain circumstances, you can sue a nursing home for negligence that results in a medication-related injury.
What Are Medication Errors in Nursing Homes?
Medication errors occur when a resident is given the wrong drug, wrong dosage, or is administered their medication improperly. These mistakes can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
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Giving the wrong medication to the wrong patient
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Incorrect dosages (too much or too little)
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Failing to administer a necessary medication altogether
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Administering medication at the wrong time
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Improper mixing or crushing of medication
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Not monitoring a resident’s reaction to a new medication
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Failing to check for drug interactions or allergies
Many of these errors are preventable and often stem from staffing issues, poor training, miscommunication or negligence.
When Is a Medication Error Grounds for a Lawsuit?
Not every medication mistake leads to legal liability — but if the error caused harm and was the result of negligence or a violation of the standard of care, it may justify a lawsuit.
You may have a valid legal claim if:
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The nursing home or its staff failed to follow proper medical protocols
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The error resulted in harm to your loved one, such as serious side effects, hospitalization, long-term injury or death
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There is evidence of staff negligence, such as a lack of training, understaffing or carelessness
Medication errors that stem from systemic problems — like an understaffed facility or a nurse repeatedly making mistakes — can be especially strong grounds for a case.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
Several parties might be held liable for a medication error in a nursing home:
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Nursing home administrators (for failing to implement safe procedures or adequate staffing)
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Nurses or aides who administered the medication
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Pharmacists who dispensed the wrong drug or dosage
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Doctors who prescribed medications without considering potential risks or interactions
An experienced attorney can help determine which parties may be responsible based on the facts of the case.
How to Prove Your Case
To succeed in a nursing home negligence claim, you’ll need to show:
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Duty of care – The nursing home had a legal responsibility to provide appropriate medical care.
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Breach of duty – That duty was breached through an error or omission.
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Causation – The error directly caused harm to your loved one.
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Damages – The injury led to measurable harm, such as medical bills, pain or emotional suffering.
Documentation such as medical records, medication logs, witness statements and expert medical opinions can all support your case.
What Should You Do If You Suspect a Medication Error?
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Get medical attention immediately to ensure your loved one’s safety.
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Document your concerns — write down what happened and when.
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Request a copy of medical records and incident reports from the facility.
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Speak with an attorney who handles nursing home abuse and neglect cases.
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
Medication errors are not minor mistakes — they can destroy a person’s health and quality of life. At the Dinizulu Law Group, we’re committed to holding nursing homes accountable for the harm they cause. If you suspect a medication error hurt your loved one, contact us for a confidential case review.
📞 Call (312) 384-1920 or visit dinizululawgroup.com to learn more about how we can help.