Emergency Room & Hospital Negligence: What to Know if You’re a Victim

Doctors, nurses and others in the medical field have a duty to provide patients with a certain standard of care. The standard may vary somewhat, particularly when it comes to the emergency room where doctors have to make decisions faster than in other medical settings. If you think you are the victim of malpractice, consult an attorney at Ron Meyers & Associates PLLC – 360-459-5600.

Understanding Emergency Room & Hospital Negligence Cases

Types of Emergency Room Errors

Often, people who require emergency care face critical complications. Quality care is therefore important. But doctors must make quick decisions in emergency settings and in many cases are not afforded the opportunity to consider their care carefully. As such, emergency room doctors and nurses have a bit more leeway regarding what constitutes negligent care.

Nevertheless, emergency room negligence does occur. Some types of negligence in the emergency room include surgical mistakes, EMT/paramedic negligence, failing to provide timely care, diagnosis mistakes and more. An attorney can secure testimony from a medical expert regarding whether the doctor failed to follow a reasonable standard of care.

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Types of Hospital Negligence

Types of hospital negligence mirror many emergency room errors. Below are some examples.

  • Failure to monitor a patient properly
  • Errors in prescribing or administering medication
  • Failure to assist a patient properly in certain activities (like walking to a bathroom, which could lead to a slip and fall injury)
  • Surgery errors
  • Delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis
  • Administering or suggesting the wrong treatment

A medical expert may provide testimony regarding the care the patient received at the hospital and whether it followed an acceptable standard of care.

Harm Caused by Emergency Room and Hospital Negligence

Patients depend on doctors and nurses in emergency rooms and hospitals to provide the care they need. When they don’t receive proper care, patients are at risk. Depending upon the type of error and negligence, patient harm may include the following.

  • Infection
  • Poor reaction to medication
  • Internal bleeding
  • Stroke
  • Requirement of secondary surgery
  • Development of further complications
  • Death

The list above is not inclusive. The harm that may befall a patient is dependent upon the situation and a doctor or nurse’s negligent actions.

Legal Rights of the Victim

A victim – or the family members of a deceased victim – has legal rights if an injury occurred. Victims of medical malpractice can file a medical malpractice suit (or wrongful death suit) for damages. During a medical malpractice suit, the victim will have to prove that the medical professional acted negligently and that the negligence led to harm.

The personal representative of the deceased may bring a wrongful death lawsuit to benefit the deceased’s family, like a spouse or domestic partner or child. If medical malpractice caused a child’s death, then a parent may file the wrongful death lawsuit.

Damages Available in a Medical Malpractice/Wrongful Death Lawsuit

If a medical malpractice lawsuit or wrongful death lawsuit is successful, the plaintiff(s) will recover damages. This amount is based on a number of different factors but may include damages for both economic and noneconomic losses. These losses can include financial harm suffered, as well as emotional losses, such as pain and suffering.

Case Results

$4,255,555

Neglect, drowning, and cognitive impairment of a vulnerable adult under DSHS care and supervision.

$2,816,040

Catastrophic career ending injury claim in Grays Harbor County.

$2,501,808

Career ending injury and infection claim in King County.

Our Approach to Emergency Room & Hospital Negligence Cases

At Ron Meyers & Associates PLLC, we understand the unique challenges and complexities that come with emergency room and hospital negligence cases. Our commitment to seeking justice for victims and their families is unwavering. When you choose us to represent you, you can expect a compassionate, comprehensive, and results-oriented approach to your case.

Compassionate Advocacy

We recognize that victims of emergency room and hospital negligence often endure physical and emotional pain. Our compassionate legal team is dedicated to providing support and understanding throughout the legal process. We listen to your story, empathize with your suffering, and work tirelessly to ensure that your voice is heard.

Experienced Legal Expertise

Our attorneys bring a wealth of experience to the table, having successfully handled numerous emergency room and hospital negligence cases. We have a deep understanding of the intricacies of medical malpractice law, and we stay up-to-date with the latest developments in this field. Our expertise allows us to build strong cases and advocate effectively on your behalf.

Thorough Case Investigations

We leave no stone unturned when investigating your case. Our legal team collaborates with medical experts, gathers evidence, and reviews medical records meticulously. We aim to establish negligence and determine if the standard of care was breached. Our comprehensive approach ensures that we build a solid foundation for your case.

Collaborative Legal Strategy

Your input is invaluable to us. We work closely with you to understand your specific circumstances, concerns, and goals. Together, we develop a customized legal strategy tailored to the unique aspects of your case. We keep you informed and engaged throughout the legal process, empowering you to make informed decisions.

Tireless Advocacy

Our commitment to your case is unwavering. We negotiate vigorously with insurance companies and, if necessary, litigate in court to secure the compensation and justice you deserve. We understand the financial and emotional toll that negligence can have, and we fight tirelessly to alleviate your burdens.

Focused on Results

Our ultimate goal is to secure the best possible outcome for you and your family. We recognize that every case is unique, and we work diligently to maximize the damages you may recover. Whether it’s medical expenses, ongoing care, or emotional suffering, we are dedicated to obtaining fair and just compensation.

How Ron Meyers & Associates Can Help with Emergency Room & Hospital Negligence Cases

Your Partner in Justice

When you choose Ron Meyers & Associates PLLC to handle your emergency room and hospital negligence case, you’re choosing a partner in the pursuit of justice. We stand by your side every step of the way, advocating relentlessly for your rights and striving to make a difference in your life.

If you’ve been a victim of emergency room or hospital negligence, we invite you to reach out to us today. Let us be your advocates in seeking the compensation and accountability you deserve. Contact us now at 360-459-5600 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming your rights.

Let Ron Meyers & Associates Help You!

Emergency room and hospital negligence causes significant damages and affects thousands of patients every year. If you’re the victim of either and experienced a serious injury or loss of a loved one, get legal help. At Ron Meyers & Associates PLLC, our attorneys want to help you reclaim the damages you deserve. Please call us today to begin: 360-459-5600.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Room & Hospital Negligence Cases

Medical malpractice refers to the act or failure to act by a healthcare professional that deviates from the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. In the context of emergency room and hospital negligence cases, it involves instances where healthcare providers in these settings fail to provide the expected level of care, leading to patient injuries or complications.

Errors in emergency rooms can include misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, medication errors, surgical mistakes, and failure to provide timely care. Emergency room doctors and nurses often face unique challenges due to the urgency of cases, but negligence can still occur.

Emergency room professionals are generally held to a similar standard of care as other healthcare providers. However, the fast-paced and high-pressure environment of emergency rooms can impact the way the standard of care is applied. It’s essential to consult with legal experts to assess the specific circumstances of your case.

Hospital negligence can encompass various scenarios, including failure to monitor patients properly, medication errors, inadequate assistance with activities, surgical errors, and delayed or incorrect diagnoses. The specific circumstances of each case determine the nature of the negligence.

Recognizing negligence can be challenging. Consulting with a medical malpractice attorney is essential. They can help assess your case, gather evidence, and consult with medical experts to determine if negligence occurred.

Victims of negligence in emergency rooms or hospitals have the right to pursue legal action to seek compensation for their injuries and losses. This may involve filing a medical malpractice or wrongful death lawsuit, depending on the circumstances.

Damages that may be recovered in such lawsuits can include medical expenses, ongoing care costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses. The specific damages depend on the details of the case and the extent of harm suffered.

Yes, there is a statute of limitations for filing these types of lawsuits, which varies by state. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney promptly, as failing to meet the deadline may result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.

Our law firm handles cases involving medical malpractice, including emergency room and hospital negligence. We provide comprehensive legal representation, conduct thorough investigations, collaborate with medical experts, and advocate tirelessly on behalf of our clients to secure the compensation and justice they deserve.

To begin the process and discuss your case, please contact us at 360-459-5600 to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you seek justice and recover the damages you deserve.

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