In the midst of an emergency, you expect to receive quality medical care as quickly as possible. Emergency personnel are trained extensively for their occupation. Unfortunately, however, they are still susceptible to making mistakes. In 2001, there were 2,063 documented emergency room medication errors across the country, with almost 8 percent causing personal injury to the patient.
Commonly Misdiagnosed Conditions
Emergency rooms are high volume, high stress departments. Emergency personnel see hundreds of people a day who must be accurately assessed, diagnosed, and treated for their ailments. It is no surprise that accidents occur in the ER. Whether you were incorrectly assessed, diagnosed with the wrong condition, or received incorrect or inadequate follow-up treatment, you may be the victim of medical malpractice. The following conditions are frequently misdiagnosed by emergency room staff:
• Breast Cancer
• Tuberculosis
• Lung Cancer
• Diabetes
• Prostate Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Testicular Cancer
• Acute Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)- Approximately 8% of all heart attack patients are sent home with the wrong diagnosis
• Strokes
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Bacterial Meningitis
• Appendicitis
An incorrect or delayed diagnosis may result in serious injury or, in extreme cases, the wrongful death of an ER patient.
Medical Malpractice
If you or someone you know has been the victim of ER negligence or medical malpractice, you have the right to take legal action and pursue compensation for your losses. A successful medical malpractice case may result in compensation for the following damages:
• All related medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death
To determine your legal rights and entitlements, contact an experienced attorney immediately.
About this Author
James Witherspoon
For more information about how to pursue compensation for an emergency room error, contact the Atlanta medical malpractice attorneys of Webb, Wade, Taylor & Thompson, LLC today.
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