Sunday, August 30, 2009

Emergency Room Waits and Malpractice Claims

Emergency Room Malpractice

In the event of serious injury or illness, individuals may not be able to treat or recover from the symptoms without immediate medical attention. While some illnesses or injuries can be treated with home remedies or may be looked after by medical professionals by appointment, some cases may require patients to visit an emergency room for immediate attention.

People who require immediate medical attention have a reasonable expectation of speed and attention when they visit an emergency room. At times, however, emergency rooms may be very busy and medical professionals on staff may face difficulties juggling cases and paying attention to each and every individual problem. In the end, it is up to the experienced medical staff to evaluate the seriousness of each case and address the most serious emergencies first.

If a person suffers injury (or further injury) due to carelessness or neglect on the part of emergency room medical staff, the patient or the family of the injured party may be able to pursue compensation for medical malpractice claims. If a patient suffers injury or dies as a result of careless actions on the part of nurses, doctors, or scheduling staff, a legal claim may be filed for compensation for pain, suffering, emotional trauma, medical bills, and other expenses.

Commonly reported emergency room injuries include:

* Patients who lose significant amounts of blood and suffer injury or death while waiting
* Loss of consciousness
* Increased damage during an allergic reaction
* Further damage in the case of bone breaks and fractures
* Damage caused by untreated fevers and illnesses
* Loss of life due to breathing complications and other lung and throat related issues

It is the responsibility of medical staff in emergency rooms to evaluate the cases that come through the door and make responsible decisions regarding the treatment of people in the waiting room. Ideally, each person who enters an emergency room will get immediate medical treatment regardless of the situation, but in the event of a crowded medical center, the persons at the highest risk should be seen immediately and should not be forced to wait.

If you have been injured due to careless or negligent actions by hospital medical staff or medical professionals, you may be eligible for compensation for your pain, suffering, loss of wages, and other expenses. If you would like to know more about medical malpractice claims and emergency room waits, visit the website of the Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams.
Joseph Devine

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine

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