Legal Question in Medical Malpractice in Washington

doctors responsiblity to monitor side effects of meds

When a physician prescribes medication, and continues to increase the dose despite worsening symptoms, is that negligence.

What is the doctors responsiblity to protect their patients from the bad side effects of meds?

Specifically, if someone is depressed and is getting ALOT worse and the md continues to increase the med, what is the expected and legal obligation

Thanks,


Asked on 1/11/04, 3:23 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Matthew King Wershow & Ritter, Inc. P.S.

Re: doctors responsiblity to monitor side effects of meds

A doctor's duty is defined by what other doctors would do in similar situations. If a reasonable and prudent doctor would increase the dose, then there is no negligence. If there are multiple ways to treat the same symptoms, and the doctor chose one of them, then there is likely no negligence. I recommend you contact a medical malpractice attorney in your community to discuss this matter.

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Answered on 1/12/04, 10:22 am


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