Is the ER liable for your worsening health?
When Florida residents go to an ER, it typically means that something is wrong. Chest pains, squeezing or numbness that spreads from the chest to the neck or back and nausea may signal a broad range of issues. However, if you went to an emergency room and suffered harm due to an error, you may have grounds for a claim.
According to the CDC, there are more than 130 million visits to U.S. emergency rooms every year. More than 2 million of these visits result in admission to a critical care unit. Medical professionals owe you a duty of care despite the unpredictable and fast-paced environment of an ER. There are several areas in which emergency personnel may fail in their patient duties.
Patient evaluation
Acute injuries, illnesses and conditions often mean every minute counts. If you go to an ER and the staff does not begin an evaluation promptly, your condition could worsen. In addition to being timely, thorough and accurate is critical for the successful treatment of your condition. If the staff rushes you through triage, it can result in an incorrect diagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
Medication errors
A cursory evaluation could result in the medical staff missing crucial information such as the following:
- Allergies
- Existing medications
- Drug dosages
- Medical history
Carelessness during medication dispensing can happen at any point in the healthcare system. If the healthcare provider asks for an incorrect dosage or the wrong medication gets administered, you might suffer an adverse reaction.
Mixing certain medications can result in internal bleeding and affect liver and kidney functions. Blood thinners can react adversely with anti-fungal drugs, some antibiotics and other medications. If you go to the emergency room because of a stroke or heart attack and emergency personnel administers medications without an appropriate evaluation, you could suffer life-altering consequences. A settlement might help you pay for damages and the care you require in the future.