Common Examples of ER Negligence
How do you know if your medical condition is the result of medical negligence and not a natural result of the illness or injury that brought you to the emergency room? The truth is that it can often be difficult to tell, and it takes experienced legal and medical advice to understand whether you are entitled to financial compensation. There are numerous types of errors that can support negligence-based claims for compensation, and our lawyers will thoroughly assess your emergency room visit with the help of experienced medical experts to determine if you are entitled to financial recovery.
Some of the most common examples of emergency room negligence include the following:
- Anesthesia errors
- Emergency medical technician (EMT) and paramedic mistakes
- Failure to diagnose and delayed diagnosis
- Failure to order x-rays, MRIs or other necessary tests
- Failure to seek input from specialists
- Improper administration of medications
- Misdiagnosis (i.e. diagnosing a patient with a condition he or she does not have)
- Nurse and emergency room staff errors
- Premature discharge
- Surgical errors
Failure to diagnose and misdiagnosis are easily the most-common medical errors in the emergency room setting. These errors are dangerous not only because they mean that the patient does not receive critical treatment, but also because they can result in treatment (including surgery and administration of medications) that is unnecessary.
Common Injuries and Illnesses Resulting from Emergency Room Negligence
The consequences of emergency room negligence can be devastating. Illnesses can get worse without prompt treatment, and failure to promptly treat physical injuries can lead to irreversible damage. Some of the most common medical conditions and complications resulting from emergency room negligence include:
- Aneurysm
- Appendicitis (and ruptured appendix)
- Blood clots and pulmonary embolisms
- Heart attack
- Severe allergic reactions to medications (including anaphylaxis)
- Stroke
- Surgical injuries
- Undiagnosed cancer
