A 69-year-old Japanese man was turned aside by 14 hospitals before finding a one that would treat him after being involved in a motorcycle accident. The man was riding his bicycle at the time of the crash. The driver of the motorcycle sustained injuries as well but was only denied treatment by two hospitals before one agreed to take him. He is expected to make a full recovery.
Unfortunately, the bicyclist did not fare as well. He sustained severe brain injuries and back injuries in the bicycle accident. While at first it appeared that he would pull through, his condition declined while he was waiting to find a hospital that would admit him. He died shortly after arriving at the hospital.
According to medical experts, the man most likely would have survived had he received medical treatment in a more timely manner. The 14 hospitals that refused to admit him claimed that they were not properly equipped to treat him due to a lack of specialists, equipment, beds, and staff.
This is a very common problem in Japan. In 2007, more than 14,000 emergency room patients were denied treatment by at least three hospitals before finally being admitted by one. In one instance, an elderly woman was turned aside 49 times before finding a hospital to treat her.
In the United States, such actions on the part of a hospital would be unacceptable. In the case of the man on his bicycle, the 14 hospitals who failed to admit him would all be liable for medical malpractice and possibly wrongful death.
When delayed treatment by a medical facility causes serious complications that otherwise would not exist with prompt treatment, the hospital must be held liable for their negligence. It is important to consult an experienced medical malpractice attorney to ensure that you receive proper compensation for your damages.
If you have a medical malpractice claim in the Chicago, Illinois area, please contact the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C.
today to schedule a consultation.
