Georgia Nursing Home Medication Error Lawyers You Can Trust

We hold negligent facilities accountable for dangerous, preventable mistakes

Nursing home residents often depend on daily medications to manage serious health conditions. When these medications are given incorrectly, or not given at all, the results can be dangerous, even life-threatening. Sadly, medication errors in nursing homes are more common than many families realize, and they often happen because of understaffing, poor training, or abuse and neglect. At Johnson Greer Law Group, our Georgia nursing home medication error lawyers are committed to holding facilities accountable when careless mistakes put residents’ health and lives at risk.

What are medication errors?

Medication errors occur when a resident does not receive the correct medicine, the correct dosage, or the medication at the right time. In a nursing home, these mistakes can have serious consequences because many residents are elderly, take multiple medications, and rely on careful, precise treatment plans to manage chronic conditions. Even seemingly small errors, like giving a pill at the wrong time or forgetting a dose, can lead to serious health complications, hospitalization, or in some cases, death.

In nursing homes, this can occur in many ways, such as:

Giving a resident the wrong medication
Administering the wrong dosage (too much or too little)
Failing to provide medications at the correct times
Mixing up residents’ prescriptions
Not monitoring for harmful drug interactions
Administering medication without food or fluids when required
Ignoring a resident’s allergy or known sensitivity

Any of these mistakes can cause severe harm, particularly for older adults whose bodies are more fragile and often dependent on precise treatment plans.

Common causes of medication errors

Medication errors rarely occur randomly. They usually point to a breakdown in proper care. Common causes include:

Understaffed facilities rushing through medication rounds
Poor staff training on medication safety and administration
Miscommunication between doctors, nurses, and caregivers
Inaccurate or incomplete medical records
Failure to properly supervise or double-check prescriptions
Fatigue and burnout among staff leading to careless mistakes

These are preventable issues, and nursing homes are required to have systems in place to avoid them.

Types of medications commonly involved in errors

While any drug can be mishandled, some medications are more frequently linked to errors in nursing homes because they require precise dosages, timing, or monitoring. These include:

Blood thinners (Anticoagulants): Medications like warfarin must be carefully dosed to prevent dangerous bleeding or blood clots.
Insulin and diabetes medications: Errors in timing or dosage can cause severe drops or spikes in blood sugar.
Pain medications (Opioids): Overdoses can lead to sedation, respiratory problems, or even death, while underdosing can leave residents in severe pain.
Antibiotics: Incorrect use may worsen infections or contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Heart medications: Drugs that regulate blood pressure, heart rate, or rhythm must be administered precisely to avoid complications.
Psychiatric medications (Antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-anxiety medications): Mistakes can cause mood changes, confusion, or dangerous side effects.
Diuretics: Improper dosing can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or kidney problems.
Sedatives and sleep aids: Overuse or improper dosing can increase fall risk and cause long-term cognitive issues.

Because many nursing home residents take multiple medications daily, even a small mistake can trigger dangerous drug interactions or worsen existing health conditions.

Warning signs of medication errors

Even when a nursing home is providing care, it can be difficult for families to know whether medications are being administered safely. Residents may not always be able to communicate changes in how they feel, and some effects of medication errors develop gradually. Paying close attention to warning signs can help families spot potential problems early and take action before serious harm occurs. Common indicators that a resident may be experiencing a medication error include:

Sudden changes in mood, behavior, or alertness
Unexplained drowsiness or confusion
Missed doses or medications piling up
New or worsening medical symptoms without explanation
Staff being vague or defensive when asked about medications

If you notice these red flags, it may be a sign that your loved one isn’t receiving their medications properly.

Georgia lawyers standing up against nursing home abuse and neglect

When a nursing home fails to provide safe and accurate medication care, it puts vulnerable residents in danger. Families should not have to suffer in silence when negligence leads to harm. At Johnson Greer Law Group, we fight to protect your loved one’s rights and stand by your family during these difficult times.

If your loved one has been harmed by a medication error, contact us today for a free consultation. Our nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers can demand accountability and ensure your family gets the justice you deserve. When it feels like no one else is listening, we are here to be your advocate and your voice.