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Drug Doses & Signs That You’re Taking the Wrong Medication

Robert Stahle • October 3, 2018

Wrong Medication Prescribed - Criminal Defense Attorneys - Sioux City, IA

According to a study published by the Mayo Clinic, approximately 7 out of 10 Americanstake at least one prescription drug. This includes everything from antibiotics, antidepressants, pain medication and medication designed to treat specific health conditions.

While most people are familiar with the insert that comes with their medications to describe what to look out for in terms of side effects, not everyone reads it. This also means that not everyone is aware of the warning signs that something is going very wrong.

Side effects from medications can sometimes have life threatening consequences. Here are a few of the signs that indicate that a medication isn’t well suited for you or that you’ve been given the wrong dose.

Pain Relief Medications

Physicians are regulated by very strict standards of the amount and dosage of narcotic pain medications that they can prescribe. These substances are regulated not only because of their highly addictive nature, but also because of how easy it is to exceed the maximum dosage and not realize it.

Sometimes, a mistake is made in prescribing the wrong type of medication or the wrong dose for a person’s age or body type. For example, someone who has been over prescribed oxycodone might experience extreme fatigue and vomiting. They might also experience shallow breathing to the point that it slows down and they become unconscious. It’s crucially important to seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing any of these side effects when taking a narcotic pain medication.

Additionally, many narcotic pain medications also contain acetaminophen. Patients should always be advised to not take any additional medications that include acetaminophen, nor should they be prescribed such medications unless under the extremely careful observation of a physician. The toxicity level of acetaminophen is 4,000 mg – which is less than most people realize.

For comparison, an extra strength acetaminophen product contains 500 mg per pill. Eight of these, or 2 every six hours would put you at the absolute daily cap for consumption. Signs of excessive acetaminophen dosage include nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, stomach pain and confusion.

General Overmedication

It’s often the case that a patient doesn’t immediately realize that they have been given the wrong medication or an incorrect dose until they become extremely ill or their condition becomes life threatening. This is because so many medications cause side effects that mimic the symptoms of the conditions they’re meant to treat.

As a general rule of thumb, if something doesn’t feel right don’t wait to seek medical advice. Side effects of the wrong medication or dosage can compile quickly and lead to a serious health emergency. The most common symptoms of the being given the wrong dosage of a medication include extreme fatigue, loss of energy, motor difficulties, memory and concentration deterioration, confusion, general pain, hallucinations and breathing difficulties.

When to Consider Legal Help

If you or someone you care about has been the victim of being prescribed the wrong type or dosage of a medication, there are legal avenues you can take. If you’ve witnessed a death as the result of a medication error, it’s important that you contact a wrongful death attorney to discuss your case. We’re here to provide the personal injury legal assistance you need. Contact Fitch & Stahle today for a free consultation.

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How Drunk Driving Accident Victims Can Maximize Compensation With Legal Help

By Robert Stahle • June 11, 2025

When you’re injured by a drunk driver, the physical trauma is often only the beginning. Medical appointments, hospital stays, and prescription medications can last for weeks, months, or even years. You may be unable to work. You may lose your vehicle. And the emotional toll—fear, anxiety, depression—can weigh heavily on you and your family. Unfortunately, many accident victims never receive the compensation they truly need to recover. Insurance companies are skilled at downplaying injuries, undervaluing claims, and pushing quick settlements. These early offers often only cover short-term costs—and leave victims with nothing for long-term consequences. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a personal injury attorney who understands how to fight for your full and fair compensation. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we’ve helped countless clients throughout Iowa and Nebraska recover the financial support they deserve after being hit by drunk drivers. Here’s how having legal representation can make a difference: 1. Understanding the Full Value of Your Claim A serious injury isn’t just about your ER bill. A strong legal claim must account for: Follow-up medical care, physical therapy, and surgeries Future medical treatment or long-term care Mental health services for trauma, PTSD, or anxiety Lost wages and reduced ability to earn income Property damage and vehicle replacement Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life Without legal help, you may never even know you’re entitled to compensation for these elements—let alone how to calculate their true cost. Our attorneys work closely with doctors, financial experts, and accident specialists to build a comprehensive case that reflects the full scope of your losses. 2. Pursuing Punitive Damages In Iowa and Nebraska, courts may award punitive damages in drunk driving cases. Unlike compensatory damages (which are designed to cover your losses), punitive damages are intended to punish the offender for particularly reckless or egregious behavior and deter others from doing the same. These damages can significantly increase the value of your claim—but you need an experienced attorney to prove that the driver’s actions warrant them. We know how to present evidence of impairment, prior offenses, and other aggravating factors that strengthen your case. 3. Exploring Additional Sources of Compensation Sometimes, the drunk driver’s insurance policy won’t cover the full cost of your damages. In those cases, we explore: Your own underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage Dram shop liability (if a bar, restaurant, or event overserved the driver) Third-party liability (in rare cases, the driver’s employer or vehicle owner may also share responsibility) Our team works to leave no stone unturned when identifying all potential sources of recovery. 4. Standing Up to the Insurance Companies Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators. Their job is to pay out as little as possible. Without a lawyer, they may take advantage of your lack of legal knowledge or pressure you into a fast settlement. With Fitch & Stahle in your corner, you don’t have to deal with their tactics. We handle all communication, submit all documentation, and push aggressively for the settlement you deserve. And if the insurance company won’t cooperate? We’re ready to take your case to court. If you or someone you love has been injured by a drunk driver in Iowa or Nebraska, don’t let the insurance company decide what your recovery is worth. Contact Fitch & Stahle Law Firm today for a free case evaluation. Let us help you move forward—with the compensation and justice you deserve.

Why You Need a Lawyer After a Drunk Driving Accident in Iowa or Nebraska

By Robert Stahle • June 6, 2025

Drunk driving accidents are among the most devastating types of crashes—and the most preventable. Every time someone chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol, they not only break the law, but they also endanger innocent lives. When you’re the victim of one of these reckless acts, the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be overwhelming. Many accident victims assume that if the other driver was arrested for DUI, the case will resolve itself quickly and fairly. After all, if the police have proof that the driver was drunk, what else is there to fight about? The reality is far more complex. Even when intoxication is clear, recovering compensation is rarely straightforward. Insurance companies are primarily concerned with protecting their bottom line. They may admit the drunk driver was at fault but still dispute the amount of damages you’re owed. They may claim your injuries aren’t as severe as you say or argue that you had pre-existing conditions. In some cases, they may even try to shift partial blame to you. That’s why hiring an experienced drunk driving accident attorney is so critical. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we represent clients throughout Iowa and Nebraska who have been harmed by drunk drivers. Our attorneys know how to build strong legal cases backed by evidence, expert testimony, and strategic negotiation. We don’t just take the word of the insurance company—we conduct our own investigations, obtain police and toxicology reports, interview witnesses, and, when necessary, work with accident reconstruction professionals to determine exactly what happened and who’s responsible. Beyond proving liability, our goal is to make sure every client receives the full amount of compensation they’re entitled to under the law. That includes not only current medical expenses and lost wages but also: Future medical care (surgeries, rehab, medications) Lost future earning capacity Pain and suffering Mental and emotional trauma Property damage Punitive damages when applicable In particularly egregious cases, we may also pursue compensation from third parties under Iowa or Nebraska’s dram shop liability laws . If a bar, restaurant, or even a private event served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated or underage, that establishment could be held partially liable for the damages. Dealing with injuries, doctors, bills, and the trauma of the crash is hard enough. You shouldn’t also have to navigate legal paperwork, deadlines, and difficult insurance adjusters on your own. We provide personal, compassionate, and aggressive legal representation—so you can focus on healing while we focus on justice. Remember: The other driver’s arrest or conviction does not guarantee you fair compensation. Civil and criminal cases are separate, and only a personal injury claim will secure the financial support you need to recover and rebuild your life. If you or a loved one has been hit by a drunk driver in Sioux City or the surrounding areas of Iowa and Nebraska, don’t wait. Call Fitch & Stahle Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll help you hold the drunk driver—and their insurance company—fully accountable.