Emergency Room Negligence Lawyers in Scranton, Pennsylvania
When one experiences an injury or illness that could be life-threatening or result in permanent disability, the emergency room is the best place to go. Hospitals use emergency rooms to treat patients that require immediate attention. While most primary care doctors and specialists operate on a schedule, the emergency room is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
But like all medical practices, even emergency rooms make mistakes. Emergency room (ER) negligence occurs when medical staff fail to provide the appropriate standard of care and, therefore, harm the patient. Medical staff may misdiagnose a patient’s condition, delay the treatment process, and provide improper treatment. In addition, if a staff member does not order necessary tests or check up on test results promptly, a patient may suffer further complications.
When emergency room doctors fail to diagnose a patient accurately, this is a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. This may cause dangerous implications if the patient requires life-saving treatment. Emergency room negligence also refers to when staff administer the wrong medication and dosages, fail to monitor those in critical condition, and discharge patients too soon or without proper care instructions. Furthermore, documentation that is incorrect or incomplete can have detrimental impacts on a patient’s care.
An example of ER negligence may include a patient with stomach pains who is sent home without proper evaluation, leading to a burst appendix. In this scenario, the patient would experience more complications, pain, and, if not caught in time, death.
ER negligence can, in fact, be prevented. With adequate staffing and appropriate training measures, doctors can ensure that patients receive appropriate care and treatment. It is also crucial that emergency rooms have effective communication systems in place and that standards of care and protocols are regularly reviewed.
Talk to Us About Emergency Room Negligence and Misdiagnosis
If you or someone you know has experienced emergency room negligence, contact Dougherty Leventhal & Price today! Victims of medical negligence may seek compensation through medical malpractice lawsuits. Compensation may cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other related costs. Our seasoned attorneys are here to support you! Remember… Injury? Call DLP. (570) C-A-L-L-D-L-P.
Source
“What Is Medical Malpractice? Definition & Examples.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 5 Feb. 2024, www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/personal-injury/medical-malpractice/.
