Imagine that your doctor prescribed the wrong medication to you. Unfortunately, it happens more frequently than you might think. As a matter of fact, it is estimated that approximately 1.5 million Americans are injured by drug errors each year. These errors are commonly made during the prescription process.

It is commonly known in the medical industry that pharmaceutical companies are engaging in a practice called "prescription data mining," meaning that manufacturers are monitoring doctor's prescription habits. Pharmaceutical companies are using the data they collect to customize their marketing plans and to push alternative medicines that they produce.

This practice may seem harmless. However, since many doctors do not take the time to review extensive studies on these alternative drugs, they could inadvertently prescribe a drug that is not right for one of their patients. They could be prescribing medications based on non-medical factors, such as the availability of free samples and cost.

Though, all doctors should carefully review data for all medications they prescribe, some do not. The outcome could be catastrophic, leading to life-altering injuries and sometimes death.

If you or someone you know has been injured from a medication error, you should contact a New York medical malpractice attorney at the Law Offices of Rappaport, Glass, Greene and Levine at (800) 734-9445.