Mistakes That Lead to ER Medical Malpractice
There are numerous conditions in emergency departments that can cause healthcare workers to make tragic errors in the ER, including:
- Fatigue. While full-time emergency room physicians usually work shifts lasting between six and 12 hours, interns and residents—who, along with nurses, typically do much of the actual work with patients—can work shifts as long as 28 consecutive hours.
- Insufficient medical history. When a nurse or doctor fails to obtain a patient’s full medical history, they risk subjecting them to medications to which they’re allergic, dangerous drug interactions, or other contraindicated treatments.
- Distractions. Because emergency room nurses and doctors are often treating multiple patients at once, it’s easy to become distracted, especially if the medical provider is suffering from fatigue. This may cause them to miss something important while examining a patient, or fail to follow up after ordering the administration of medication.
- Miscommunication. In some cases, doctors or nurses may convey inaccurate instructions to others, leading to mistakes in patient care.
- Lack of informed consent. Patients must be adequately warned about the potential risks of suggested treatments to make informed decisions about their medical care unless they are unconscious or otherwise unable to provide informed consent.
see how we've made a difference
If you are hesitating to call us for help, take a look at our recent case results.
-
$110,000 $110k for Car Accident Client With Back and Neck Pain
For Car Accident Client With Back and Neck Pain
-
$1,320,000 $1.32 Million for Man Involved in T-Bone Collision
Man Involved in T-Bone Collision
-
$630,000 $630k Result for a Woman Injured in an Automobile Wreck
Result for a Woman Injured in an Automobile Wreck
-
$2,300,000 $2.3 Million Leg Injury When Tractor Trailer Crossed Center Line
Leg Injury When Tractor Trailer Crossed Center Line
-
$200,000 $200k for an Individual Was Injured in an Accident While on the Side of the Road
For an Individual Was Injured in an Accident While on the Side of the Road
Common Types of Emergency Room Medical Malpractice
Most incidents of medical malpractice that occur in emergency rooms can be grouped into one of the following categories:
- EMT, paramedic, or first responder negligence
- Misdiagnosis
- Failure to diagnose or delayed diagnosis
- Medication errors
- Surgical errors
- Failure to order the appropriate diagnostic tests
- Misinterpretation of test results
- Premature release of patients from care
An American Medical Association study found that doctors specializing in emergency medicine are among the physicians most commonly sued for medical malpractice. A study from John Hopkins University noted that diagnostic errors are the mistakes most likely to lead to medical malpractice litigation.
We Can Help You Fight for the Compensation You Deserve
If you suffered medical malpractice in a Georgia emergency room, pursuing a lawsuit against the entities responsible allows you to seek compensation for related medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Do you have questions about a medical malpractice case? Contact Van Sant Law today to schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation to discuss the details of your case with a member of our legal team. Don’t wait: the time to file a lawsuit is limited!
Related Links:
-
Proven Record of Results
Van Sant Law has recovered millions in compensation for our clients’ benefit.
-
Years of Experience
Van Sant Law is committed to professional and experienced personal injury representation.
-
Awards and Accolades
10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo™, Super Lawyers Rising Stars, National Trial Lawyers Association Top 40 Under 40
-
Strategic and Aggressive
Our legal team includes former defense attorneys for large insurers who know how they settle injury claims.
-
Personal and Compassionate
Our firm works hard to ensure that your needs are taken care of during your recovery time. We work for you so you can get your life back.
-
No Fee Guarantee
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. Meaning there are no fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you!
-
I would like to thank everyone in Van Sant Law for answering any questions that I have in a timely manner. I can personally say, Everyone in deserves recognition for being honest, hard working, ethical, logical, dedicated people. The only reason I rated them 5 stars is because it would not let me go higher!
- Hilary -
Back in March I was involved in a rear end collision accident. The are very professional and will do whatever it takes to get the best possible offer when it comes with the insurance. 5/5 will recommend to everyone
- Juan S. -
The team really helped us as we navigated the claims process after our oldest child had his car totaled by a drunk driver! They were incredibly professional and helped us through every step of the process! Would absolutely recommend their services! Thank you!
- Josiah B. -
My attorney, David Van Sant and his law firm were outstanding in handling my personal injury case. I was out of work for a considerable amount of time due to an automobile accident and Mr. Van Sant and his entire team were always kind, professional, knowledgeable and especially available. This law firm did their absolute best to answer and return calls and at no time did I ever feel like just a number or stranger. My experience with Mr. Van Sant and his law firm (from beginning to end), were very positive as well as favorable.
- Lars S. -
I was in a car accident with a tractor trailer two years ago and David Van Sant came highly recommended for someone I could talk to about the situation. Best decision I've ever made! He fought for me in ways that was truly amazing. Thank you David, Michael and everyone in the office.
- Mary -
Van Sant Law worked on my personal injury case, and they have gone above and beyond in representing me as a client. They gave multiple updates throughout the course of the case. I would highly recommend Van Sant to friends and family, and I would choose them as my personal injury attorney if I were to have a personal injury claim. Thank you, Van Sant Law!
- Tyriq R. -
Attorney David M. Van Sant is one of the best injury trial attorneys here in the Atlanta area. They are precise and unique in their approach. When I had my car accident, my whole world was turned upside down, but with Attorney Van Sant and his team of professionals dedication and quality of service, my life is back on track.
- Crystal -
I used Van Sant Law for my auto accident claim and I'm so glad I did! Parker, my attorney, was especially great. He really eased my pain and got me the best settlement possible. I highly recommend Van Sant Law. They did right by me and I'm very happy with their level of service.
- Mark A.
Our firm is dedicated and committed to providing you with the best legal services possible, from your education on the issues to fighting for positive results for your case. Through a free, initial consultation, we will make sure you understand the best way to approach your case, and we’ll review any relevant documents that you provide us with to make sure we have a full, detailed picture of your situation.
Were You a Victim of Medical Negligence?
Unfortunately, not all bad outcomes in the emergency room can be considered medical malpractice. To have legal grounds for a malpractice lawsuit, the healthcare professional in question must have owed the patient a duty to provide the accepted standard of care—and then breached that duty, resulting in harm to the patient.
If you think you were a victim of medical negligence in the emergency room, it’s essential to:
- See a doctor you trust for an initial diagnosis or a second opinion.
- Consult an experienced medical malpractice attorney.
- Obtain your medical records and save all documentation from your ER visit.
- Write down everything you remember about your visit to the emergency room and the care you received there.
- Adhere to the doctor’s treatment plan and attend follow-up appointments.