While a trip to the emergency room (ER) is never enjoyable, you should be able to trust that the doctors, nurses, and various specialists will act carefully and compassionately to give you the best possible treatment. However, physicians working in emergency services do not always meet the expected standards based on their experience and knowledge. Sometimes, this can lead to patients sustaining severe and even life-threatening harm.
When you believe that professional negligence in the ER is the leading cause of your serious injury or illness, you should speak to a Philadelphia emergency room error lawyer about your legal options as soon as possible. You have limited time after sustaining an injury to file a lawsuit to demand compensation. Guidance from a knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney at Lowenthal & Abrams can be vital to achieving a favorable case outcome.
Common Medical Errors in Emergency Rooms
Emergency rooms are often hectic, high-stress environments. As a result, it may impact the standard of care expected from physicians who work within them, as even dedicated and capable doctors may be more prone to making minor errors. However, doctors in emergency rooms are still expected to apply their skills and experience as an equally qualified physician would under the same circumstances, and any doctor, nurse, technician, or other professional who fails to meet this standard of care may hold civil liability for ensuing injuries.
Examples of mistakes that can potentially give rise to a malpractice lawsuit against an ER worker include:
- Discharging a patient too early
- Unreasonable delays in treatment
- Failure to provide proper post-op care
- Errors in the administration of anesthesia
- Giving a patient the wrong type or dosage of medication
- Performing tests incorrectly or misinterpreting test results
- Misdiagnosing a condition that a qualified physician should have been able to identify correctly
During a private consultation, an attorney in Philadelphia can clarify whether a particular ER error might justify a civil claim.
Recovering Fair Compensation Within Filing Deadlines
Unfortunately, doctors’ errors while providing emergency treatment can have uniquely severe repercussions, mainly if the patient who receives subpar treatment is already dealing with a life-threatening injury or illness. When pursuing a malpractice lawsuit, it can be imperative to account for both short-term and long-term losses that the negligence in question may cause, including details like future medical expenses, lost working capacity, and various forms of physical and psychological suffering.
Contacting a practiced lawyer to formally start the legal process after an emergency room error in Philadelphia can be vital. With limited exceptions, people who sustain an injury from the ER doctor’s misconduct have a maximum of two years after discovering they were hurt through malpractice and seven years after the malpractice occurred to file suit, regardless of how long the effects of that negligence will negatively impact their life. An attorney from our firm can help you through this process as you seek the maximum available compensation for your injuries.
Contact a Philadelphia Emergency Room Error Attorney Today
Going to the emergency room can be intense and stressful under any circumstances, but receiving substandard treatment can be exponentially worse. Fortunately, you may have a right to file suit and demand civil compensation from any ER doctor or employee whose negligence led to you sustaining avoidable harm.
A Philadelphia emergency room error lawyer can discuss your legal options and offer preliminary guidance about the next steps during a confidential meeting. Call Lowenthal & Abrams today to schedule yours.