Most of us find ourselves in a hospital emergency room at some point in our lives, whether for our own injury or medical condition or that of a loved one. Time is often of the essence in the ER. Physicians and other medical personnel often have to make split-second decisions without knowing a patient’s complete medical history. However, they can still be held accountable for actions or negligence that contribute to further injury or death.
Obviously, some people don’t make it out of an ER alive because their injury or medical condition (such as a heart attack) was not survivable despite the use of all possible life-saving measures. However, if it can be shown that a patient would have lived or not suffered harm if he or she had received the proper care, you may have a medical malpractice case.
Here are just a few examples of things that can go wrong in an ER that may warrant a civil action for medical malpractice or even wrongful death:
- Medication errors
- Discharging a patient before he or she is medically stable
- Not reviewing medical records
- Not properly diagnosing a medical condition or injury
- Not ordering proper tests such as X-rays and lab work
The Charleston attorneys at Johnstone & Gabhart, LLP, represent patients and surviving family members in medical malpractice and wrongful death suits. Along with our medical experts, we can determine whether you have a case.
We offer a free initial consultation, so you have nothing to lose if you explore the possibility of a lawsuit. If medical personnel are able to be held liable, you may be able to obtain compensation that can help with medical bills, lost wages, burial expenses and other damages. You may also be to save other families from suffering the same fate.
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