Elizabeth H. Faiella
Elizabeth has represented plaintiffs in numerous jury trials since 1976. A member of the exclusive Inner Circle of Advocates, Elizabeth is a legal powerhouse who has been given numerous awards and honors--and she's not done yet.
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Peter J. "Tres" Gulden, III
The son of a doctor and an attorney, Peter has a unique and in-depth understanding of all the complicated medical and legal issues involved in a malpractice claim. He has won many 7-figure verdicts for clients since joining his mother's firm in 2004.
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Allison C. McMillen
Allison C. McMillen is proud to be a second-generation plaintiffs’ attorney representing victims of medical malpractice, having practiced with her father, attorney Scott R. McMillen, for over a decade before joining the team at Faiella & Gulden, P.A.
Learn MoreUnderstanding Medication Changes After Discharge 
Hospital discharge is a complex process. Physicians often adjust medications based on a patient’s current health status, new diagnoses, or changes in laboratory results. However, miscommunication, rushed discharge procedures, and human error can result in mistakes that affect patient safety. Common issues include prescribing a medication that interacts dangerously with an existing prescription, failing to update the patient’s pharmacy records, or providing incomplete instructions for use. These errors are not only frustrating but can lead to severe complications such as hospitalization, permanent organ damage, or even death. Research shows that nearly one in five patients discharged from hospitals experience some form of medication discrepancy, emphasizing the critical importance of accurate communication and oversight in post-hospital care. The Risks and Consequences of Errors
Medication errors after discharge carry significant risks. For instance, a patient may be prescribed a blood thinner in addition to pain medications, creating a risk of internal bleeding if not monitored correctly. Elderly patients are particularly vulnerable because they often have multiple chronic conditions and take several medications simultaneously, increasing the likelihood of interactions. The consequences of these errors can be severe and long-lasting, including prolonged hospital stays, decreased quality of life, and substantial financial burdens due to medical costs and lost income. In Orlando, these incidents are often preventable, yet hospitals may fail to implement systems to ensure accurate patient instruction and seamless communication between providers and pharmacies. Recognizing the warning signs of potential errors can empower patients and families to act before harm occurs.Why Post-Discharge Medication Errors Happen
Errors after hospital discharge can result from a combination of systemic and individual factors. Hospitals often operate under time pressures, with staff balancing patient care, administrative tasks, and coordination with other healthcare providers. Incomplete or confusing discharge instructions are a frequent source of mistakes, as patients may be given multiple prescriptions with different schedules without proper explanation. Electronic health record errors or miscommunications between hospital staff and outpatient providers further increase the risk. Additionally, pharmacies may inadvertently dispense the wrong dosage or fail to flag dangerous drug interactions. Understanding these risk factors is essential for patients to recognize potential problems and for attorneys to establish liability in cases where negligence results in harm.
Recognizing When You May Have a Case
Not all complications after discharge indicate malpractice, but certain red flags suggest that an error may have occurred. These include unexpected readmission to the hospital, severe adverse reactions to recently prescribed medications, conflicting instructions from different healthcare providers, and lack of follow-up or monitoring. If any of these situations occur, it is essential to gather all relevant documentation, including discharge papers, prescription records, and communications with healthcare providers. This evidence forms the foundation for assessing whether a healthcare provider’s failure to meet the standard of care directly caused injury or harm.The Role of Legal Representation
An experienced Orlando medical malpractice attorney can provide critical support when pursuing a claim for post-discharge medication errors. Faiella & Gulden, P.A. assists patients by reviewing hospital records, consulting with medical experts, and determining whether a provider deviated from the accepted standard of care. Attorneys also help quantify damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, while guiding clients through negotiation or litigation processes. The firm has extensive experience handling cases involving medication errors, ensuring patients receive the attention, documentation, and advocacy necessary to pursue fair compensation.
"One of the BEST law firms in the country. Elizabeth Faiella and her team are true professionals. I’ve had the opportunity to work with them and never hesitate to recommend them to anyone needing a personal injury or medical malpractice law firm."
Shannon McLin
I have observed and worked with Faiella & Gulden as a registered nurse for over 25 years. Their legal & medical knowledge is unprecedented. They're dedicated, compassionate and goes to any length to obtain justice for each client.