Every second counts when you are rushed to the emergency room. The margins for error are practically non-existent in such a high-demand environment, and even the simplest of blunders can be disastrous, if not fatal.
Unfortunately, medical negligence can occur in such moments that demand the highest levels of professionalism and care, leaving patients vulnerable and the stakes higher than ever.
A lot can go wrong due to medical negligence
Medical negligence in the emergency room can have severe consequences for patients who need urgent care. Below are some ways things can go wrong when it matters most.
- Wrong medication or dosage: This happens when a patient receives a medication that they are allergic to, a dosage that is too high or too low or even the wrong medication, causing adverse reactions or ineffective treatment.
- Misread medical records: A patient may have important information overlooked or misinterpreted by the emergency room staff, such as medical history, allergies, test results or vital signs.
- Surgical errors: Operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside a patient or performing unnecessary procedures due to miscommunication or negligence can lead to severe complications.
- Premature discharge: A discharge from the emergency room before the patient is stable or fully recovered, increasing the risk of complications or relapse.
- Inadequate Monitoring: Patients in the emergency room require constant monitoring, especially those in critical condition. Neglecting to continuously monitor a patient or failing to respond promptly to deteriorating conditions can have disastrous consequences.
These avoidable errors can result in untold pain, serious infections, disability, organ damage or even death. They may also lead to long-term conditions such as mental issues that can affect a patient’s quality of life and expectancy.
Get justice after medical malpractice
If you’ve suffered harm at the hands of a negligent healthcare provider, it helps to learn more about your legal rights and what you can do to build a strong case. That way, navigating the complex legal process involved with such claims will be easier, significantly improving your chances of getting a well-deserved settlement.