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.
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If you are hesitating to call us for help, take a look at our recent case results.
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$450,000 $450k for a Family Who Suffered Serious Injuries in an Automobile Accident
For a Family Who Suffered Serious Injuries in an Automobile Accident
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$250,000 $250k for Neck Injury Case
For Neck Injury Case
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$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
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$110,000 $110k Settled for Client Injured in T-Bone Collision
Settled for Client Injured in T-Bone Collision
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$500,000 $500k Settlement for Individual Injured in Accident & Suffered Broken Leg
Settlement for Individual Injured in Accident & Suffered Broken Leg
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!
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Our legal team includes former defense attorneys for large insurers who know how they settle injury claims.
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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.
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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!
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Van Sant Law was just the right people to call after my car accident. They were referred to me by a friend. They were helpful and understanding of my needs and pains. From start to finish they were helpful in explaining the process with the doctors and insurance. Thank you for getting me back on feet.
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They were referred to me by a close friend of mine. Extremely professional, and asked the language I feel comfortable to discuss my case in. Alex Rusanov was my case manager and explained every aspect of my case during the process. I would highly recommend to use this law firm if you were injured in a car accident. Drive safe and stay alert!- Angela
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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.
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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.