Emergency room errors are far too common. Quick and proper medical attention in an emergency can mean the difference between life and death. Overcrowded and understaffed emergency rooms with overworked doctors and support staff trying to attend to a wide variety of unpredictable medical problems create a high stress environment. Negligence and unethical policies compound the likelihood for errors. Common emergency room errors include:
- Patient dumping
- Failure to fully evaluate a patient
- Delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, failure to diagnose
- Failure to monitor a patient
- Failure to fully treat a patient
- Inappropriate medications or improper doses
- Laboratory errors
- Negligence
- Contaminated blood transfusions
- Surgical errors
Unsanitary conditions can lead to infection, a long term and painful recovery and even death.
Failure to properly diagnose a medical problem, leading to failure to treat the condition can mean much more serious problems later on, a significantly reduced chance of recovery, recurrence of the problem, and often results in immediate or early death of the patient.
Patient dumping is the unforgivable practice of refusing or delaying treatment to patients who, during their medical emergency, are not able to provide proof of their ability to pay for treatment.
During a medical emergency, patients put their lives in the hands of doctors and staff who are complete strangers, trusting them to quickly and competently evaluate the situation and take the action necessary to save lives. Negligence in an emergency room can quickly turn into tragedy.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of emergency room error, resulting in harm or death, you may be entitled to compensation including:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability
- Loss of income
- Long-term care expenses
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
Emergency room errors create sudden physical, emotional, and financial hardships. Patients and their families find their lives turned upside down, and often find it difficult to even think about seeking legal help. However, it is important to act quickly. Time limits apply, and if you wait too long you will lose your right to pursue the matter and may lose out on the compensation that you deserve and often need to offset the financial burden created by medical errors.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by emergency room error contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney today.
Click Here for detailed information on Medical Malpractice law.
