5 Common Malpractice Errors That Occur in the Emergency Room

The margin for error in any emergency room is inherently high. Doctors see high volumes of patients all with different ailments and needs, some of which require split-second decision-making, which, if done incorrectly or negligently, can often be fatal.

Many of these emergency rooms are not only overcrowded, but also understaffed, which results in fewer doctors tending to multiple emergency patients in need.

Lack of adequate resources in staffing and equipment leads to negligent care and could result in a valid medical malpractice claim against a medical care professional or facility. If you are ever injured in an emergency room, you should contact a medical malpractice lawyer immediately.

5 Common Forms of Malpractice in the Emergency Room

When it comes to negligent acts conducted in the emergency room, there are some that occur more frequently than others. Some common forms of malpractice in the emergency room include:

1. Misdiagnosis – This is by far the most common and most tragic form of medical malpractice that can be conducted in the emergency room. Failure to properly diagnose a condition ultimately leads to failure to properly treat an injury, ailment or disease. This can lead to surgeries that are unnecessary, faulty prescription medication and more.
2. Delayed Treatment – Because emergency rooms are often overcrowded, many patients do not get the treatment they need when they need it. There have been many cases over the years of people who died waiting in the emergency room lounge area to see a doctor.
3. Ignored Symptoms – Because doctors are in a rush, it is very possible that certain symptoms exhibited by a patient go overlooked or simply ignored. Ignored symptoms can prove to be problematic later on.
4. Failure To Order Appropriate Tests – Hand in hand with misdiagnosis is the failure to order the proper tests to determine the correct ailment. Ordering the wrong tests to look for a certain indicator for a disease, sickness or injury can result in an improper determination. This can lead to a serious condition going untreated.
5. Patient Dumping – In the past, many medical facilities would “dump” patients who were uninsured or unable to pay the hospital for treatment.

If you or a loved one has sustained an injury or has had an injury or condition worsened as a result of a visit to the emergency room, you may have a valid medical malpractice claim. Malpractice lawsuits are fact-intensive and difficult to litigate, so you are going to want to consult an attorney that is well-versed in medical negligence laws. Contact Campbell & Associates today for a complimentary consultation with one of our malpractice lawyers in North Carolina.

Image Courtesy of: Wikimedia Commons