Attorneys Fighting For Victims Of Emergency Room Errors
Last updated on April 10, 2025
We all expect emergency rooms to provide quick, skilled care when minutes matter most. But for many Shreveport families, ER visits end in preventable tragedy. It’s not just about frustrating wait times – roughly 25% of nonterminal emergency room deaths happen because of medical mistakes. In these high-pressure environments, rushed decisions by medical staff can lead to catastrophic outcomes for patients.
At Nelson & Hammons, Attorneys At Law, we see the people behind the cases. For over 35 years, we’ve helped Louisiana families just like yours heal after ER negligence changed their lives. Our attorneys listen to your story, fight for your justice and work to secure the compensation you deserve.
The Chaos Of Emergency Rooms And Priority For Patients
Emergency departments operate in constant crisis mode, where medical teams must make immediate decisions about who receives care first. ER staff juggle multiple critical cases simultaneously, creating an environment where dangerous gaps in care can occur despite best intentions.
The quieter emergencies often suffer the most in this environment. While the obvious trauma cases receive an immediate response, patients with less dramatic but equally life-threatening conditions may sit waiting as their situation deteriorates unnoticed.
Common critical situations that result from ER triage mistakes include:
- Untreated sepsis: Initial infection symptoms mistaken for minor illness, allowing septic shock to develop rapidly
- Missed cardiac events: Heart attack warning signs dismissed as less serious conditions, causing permanent damage when treatment is delayed
- Medication errors: Incorrect dosages or medications administered in the rush to treat multiple patients
- Diagnostic failures: Serious conditions, such as stroke or internal bleeding, are misidentified and sent home untreated
- Premature discharge: Patients released too soon due to overcrowding before their condition has stabilized
At Nelson & Hammons, Attorneys At Law, we understand how these errors transform lives. When the system meant to heal causes harm instead, we help you find a path forward.
Overcrowding And Understaffing In The ER Is Leading To Death
When emergency rooms operate beyond capacity with too few staff, the warning signs are clear: patients lined up in overcrowded hallways, the same exhausted staff working extended shifts and equipment that’s either outdated, broken or simply unavailable when needed.
In these overwhelmed environments, critical diagnoses slip through the cracks. Commonly missed conditions include:
- Appendicitis
- Strokes and aneurysms
- Brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Heart attacks
The statistics are alarming. Johns Hopkins University research reveals approximately 7.4 million people are misdiagnosed in ERs annually, resulting in an estimated 250,000 deaths and 370,000 cases of serious harm.
Patients waiting in overcrowded hallways face increasing risks the longer they remain without proper care. This danger is especially acute for those requiring critical intervention, such as patients needing ventilation or developing sepsis, who often stay in emergency departments for extended periods before reaching specialized care.
These delays create substantial economic burdens as well. Patients with serious conditions who spend excessive time in emergency departments rather than specialized wards face higher costs, both in immediate medical expenses and long-term financial impact from preventable complications.
At Nelson & Hammons, Attorneys At Law, we’ve seen how these systemic failures transform treatable conditions into tragedies. When overcrowding and understaffing lead to preventable harm, we help families seek accountability and the compensation needed for recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Room Negligence
How do I know if the emergency department made a mistake?
Signs of possible ER malpractice or negligence include receiving a different diagnosis from another doctor shortly after your ER visit, experiencing unusual complications, having symptoms dismissed without proper testing or learning that the medical staff didn’t follow standard protocols during your care. Medical records often contain important clues that our experienced lawyers can help identify and evaluate.
Will I have to pay ER bills if my hospital fails to treat me properly?
If negligence is proven, compensation often includes coverage for medical expenses, including the original ER visit that resulted in harm. During your case, we typically recommend documenting all bills while we work toward a resolution that addresses these costs. Never ignore medical bills while waiting for your case to conclude, as this could affect your credit.
How does Louisiana law protect me from emergency room neglect?
Louisiana law allows victims of medical malpractice to seek compensation when health care providers fail to meet the standard of care. However, Louisiana has specific requirements, including a one-year statute of limitations and a medical review panel process, before filing a lawsuit. Our firm navigates these complex requirements while protecting your rights throughout the process.
Will I be able to get compensation for pain and suffering in an ER-related case?
Yes, Louisiana law recognizes pain and suffering as compensable damages in medical malpractice cases. While economic damages cover tangible costs such as medical bills and lost wages, noneconomic damages address physical pain, emotional distress and reduced quality of life resulting from negligent care. However, Louisiana caps noneconomic damages at $500,000, making skilled legal representation crucial to maximize your recovery within these limitations.
Do You Suspect ER Neglect? Call Today.
If you believe you were neglected during an ER visit or know that an ER doctor or medical professional misdiagnosed your condition, 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.