When an emergency room doctor or nurse does not follow the standard of care set by the hospital, errors can occur. This can lead to catastrophic injury and, in the worst-case scenario, wrongful death. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a medical professional failing to follow proper procedures in the emergency room, you may be entitled to compensation. This post will examine the common examples of emergency room malpractice and how an experienced California medical malpractice attorney can help you get the compensation you need.
ER Errors Caused By Medical Malpractice
Oversights by medical professionals in the ER can lead to severe complications for their patients. The errors listed below are common occurrences when a doctor or nurse neglects the emergency room standard of care:
- Misdiagnosis: This happens when a healthcare provider misdiagnoses a condition, leading to incorrect or delayed treatment, which can cause serious complications or worsen the patient's condition.
- Medication errors: Mistakes in prescribing, administering, or monitoring medications, such as incorrect dosages, drug interactions, or IV infiltration.
- Delayed treatment: Failure to provide timely care due to overcrowding, understaffing, or failure to prioritize correctly, increasing the risk of complications.
- Communication errors: There can be a breakdown in communication between providers, staff, or patients, leading to missed information or critical misunderstandings.
- Procedural errors: Mistakes during ER procedures like intubation, IV insertion, or suturing, potentially causing injuries or infections.
- Equipment failures: Malfunctioning or improper use of medical equipment, resulting in misdiagnosis or ineffective treatment.
- Documentation errors: Incomplete or inaccurate patient records that compromise decision-making, communication, and continuity of care.
- Discharge errors: Premature discharge without proper evaluation or follow-up, leading to unresolved medical issues or complications.
ER physicians should never compromise efficiency for patient safety. If you believe that any of these errors occurred during your or your loved one's ER visit, it is essential to gather all relevant medical records and have them reviewed by an experienced medical malpractice attorney.
Recoverable Damages For Emergency Room Malpractice
Our highly experienced California medical malpractice attorneys will thoroughly evaluate your case, examining medical records, expert opinions, and the circumstances of your injury to determine whether you have grounds for legal action. If malpractice is evident, we will aggressively pursue the maximum compensation available, which may include:
- Medical expenses – Covering past, current, and future treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity – Compensation for missed work and the long-term impact on your ability to earn a living.
- Pain and suffering – Addressing the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by medical negligence.
- Other financial and personal losses – Reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs, necessary home modifications, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Our attorneys aim to hold negligent medical providers accountable and help you obtain the compensation necessary for your recovery.
California Attorneys Who Will Help You Seek Justice
Emergency room errors can have serious, long-term consequences for patients and their families. If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to medical negligence in an ER, it is essential to understand your legal options. An experienced California medical malpractice attorney can assess your case, review medical records, and help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
At Bostwick & Peterson, we hold medical professionals accountable and advocate for those affected by malpractice, which has led to record-breaking case results.
Contact our personal injury law firm for a consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal rights.