When patients seek treatment in an emergency room, they trust that the medical professionals will provide the highest standard of care. However, the fast-paced, high-pressure emergency environment can lead to devastating mistakes, from misdiagnosis to medication errors. When emergency room negligence occurs, patients and their families are left with life-altering consequences.
At Meyers, Rodbell & Rosenbaum, our experienced Maryland ER malpractice lawyers understand these cases well. We know that proving malpractice in an emergency setting requires specialized knowledge and meticulous investigation. Learn the key factors that set emergency room negligence claims apart and how our legal team fights for the compensation you deserve.
Standard of Care in Emergency Medicine
One of the biggest hurdles in emergency room negligence cases is the different standard of care for emergency physicians. In most medical malpractice claims, doctors are held to the standard of a reasonably competent provider in the same specialty under similar circumstances. However, emergency medicine has its own unique set of challenges that courts take into account.
Emergency doctors must make split-second decisions with limited information. They often don't have access to a patient's complete medical history or the luxury of time for extensive testing. Courts generally give more leeway to emergency physicians due to the high-stress, fast-paced nature of emergency care.
To prove negligence, your Maryland ER malpractice lawyer must show that the doctor's actions fell below the standard of a reasonably prudent emergency physician in the same situation. This requires in-depth knowledge of emergency medicine protocols, hospital policies, and the specific circumstances surrounding your case.
Common Types of Emergency Room Negligence
While the emergency department environment presents unique challenges, certain types of negligence are unfortunately all too common.
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. Failure to properly diagnose life-threatening conditions like heart attacks, strokes, or sepsis can lead to devastating consequences. Emergency doctors must be trained to recognize subtle symptoms and promptly order appropriate tests.
- Improper triage. Emergency departments use triage systems to prioritize patients based on the severity of their condition. Negligent triage can mean that critically ill patients wait too long for care, leading to preventable complications or death.
- Medication errors. In the fast-paced emergency environment, medication mistakes are a constant risk. Patients may receive the wrong drug, incorrect dosage, or a medication they're allergic to. These errors can cause severe harm or even death.
- Premature discharge. Releasing a patient before their condition is stabilized or diagnosed can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Emergency doctors must ensure patients are adequately evaluated and treated before releasing them.
- Failure to order necessary tests. Time is of the essence in emergencies, but that's no excuse for cutting corners. Emergency physicians must order appropriate diagnostic tests and correctly interpret the results. Skipping crucial bloodwork or imaging scans can lead to missed diagnoses with dire consequences.
Investigating Emergency Room Negligence
Building a strong emergency room negligence case requires close examination of the facts. Your Maryland ER malpractice lawyer will work with medical experts to analyze every aspect of your care, including:
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Emergency department records. Look at intake forms, physician notes, nursing charts, and discharge papers for evidence of negligence.
- Diagnostic test results. Review lab results, X-rays, CT scans, and other diagnostic tests for anything missed or improperly treated.
- Hospital policies and protocols. Check if the staff deviated from established written policies and procedures for triage, diagnosis, treatment, and discharge.
- Witness testimony. Interview nurses, technicians, or other hospital staff for statements about your emergency visit.
- Expert medical opinion. Work with respected emergency medicine specialists who can testify about the standard of care and how your treatment fell short.
Pursuing Justice and Compensation for Negligence
Emergency room negligence can leave patients facing a lifetime of physical, emotional, and financial challenges. An experienced Maryland ER malpractice lawyer can pursue damages for:
- Medical expenses. Malpractice often leads to additional treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care costs.
- Lost wages. Serious injuries can leave you unable to work for weeks, months, or even permanently.
- Pain and suffering. You may be eligible for non-economic damages for the physical and emotional toll.
- Wrongful death. If you've lost a loved one due to emergency room malpractice, you may have a valid wrongful death claim.
At Meyers, Rodbell & Rosenbaum, we understand the devastation emergency room negligence can cause. Our compassionate Maryland ER malpractice lawyers are here to guide you through this difficult time and fight for the accountability you deserve.