Medical Malpractice And Emergency Room Neglect
We’ve all heard the stories of people waiting for hours to get emergency medical care and treatment at the emergency room (ER). But the fast pace of the ER can also contribute to medical malpractice in that doctors and medical staff are rushed and have to make quick decisions. If you or someone you love think that you may have a medical malpractice claim due to negligence in the ER, our lawyers at Nelson & Hammons, Attorneys At Law, are dedicated to helping victims throughout Louisiana seek justice and financial compensation for medical mistakes. Our firm has offices in Shreveport and Lafayette. John Hammons has been helping mistreated patients recover damages since 1980. Over the past 40 years, he has developed a team of attorneys and staff dedicated to representing victims of medical malpractice.
The Chaos Of Emergency Rooms And Priority For Patients
The very nature of an ER means that those who are waiting need emergency and immediate care and attention. This can easily contribute to chaos and confusion. Medical staff is often forced to prioritize which patients require help first and, in determining this, mistakes can be made. Someone who truly needs immediate care and attention might not be given priority when they should. Neglecting to treat a patient who needs help can constitute medical malpractice. Additionally, patients may be discharged from care before they should be due to overcrowding and the need for beds.
The Fast Pace Of An Overcrowded ER And Misdiagnosis
When an ER is overcrowded and chaotic, medical professionals like nurses and doctors work at a fast pace and are often forced to make quick decisions. Misdiagnosing a patient is a common and, sometimes, critical mistake. Medical conditions that can easily get overlooked or misdiagnosed in ERs include:
- Appendicitis
- Strokes and aneurysms
- Brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Heart attacks
A recent study by Johns Hopkins University, conducted for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, revealed that approximately 7.4 million people are misdiagnosed in ERs each year, resulting in an estimated 250,000 deaths and 370,000 cases of serious harm.
Do You Suspect ER Neglect? Call Today.
If you think that you were neglected during an ER visit or know that your condition was misdiagnosed by an ER doctor or medical professional, don’t wait to contact us. Strict filing deadlines apply for medical malpractice and negligence cases. Call us today at 318-716-7329 or send an email through our online form to schedule a free case assessment. Our attorneys look forward to talking to you more about your case and answering any questions you may have.