NOTE: Our law firm does not handle medical malpractice cases. This article is for informational purposes only. Information found in the article does not constitute as formal legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship.

When you go to a Baltimore, MD emergency room, you expect to receive competent care for your injuries or illness. You do not expect to suffer additional harm because of emergency room negligence or errors. 

Are Mistakes in Emergency Rooms Common?

The CDC estimates that approximately 130 million people visit an emergency room for medical care each year in the United States. A report found that about four in every 100,000 emergency room visits result in medical malpractice allegations. 

The following types of medical malpractice may occur in emergency rooms:

  • Premature discharge because of inadequate assessments
  • Failure to order diagnostic tests, which resulted in misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or failure to diagnose
  • Not receiving the acceptable standard of care for a given situation 
  • Failure to diagnose an acute illness or medical condition 
  • Delayed treatment
  • Failing to refer a patient to a specialist
  • Medication errors
  • Not obtaining informed consent
  • Failing to review a patient’s symptoms

There could be several other factors that lead to medical mistakes and errors in the emergency room. Unfortunately, medical professionals cannot control every situation. However, when errors occur, it can result in wrongful death or serious injury.

Consequences of Emergency Room Errors for Patients

Victims of medical malpractice in emergency rooms may sustain injuries or life-threatening health conditions. 

Examples of the consequences of emergency room errors include:

Some emergency room errors can result in permanent disabilities and impairments. The medical bills, lost wages, and other financial damages related to such conditions can be substantial. Additionally, the person may experience significant pain and suffering because of the malpractice. 

Medical malpractice cases involving emergency room errors may include physicians, nurses, hospitals, and other medical staff members. Generally, anyone involved in the patient’s care can be held liable for mistakes and errors they make.

Proving medical malpractice requires that you prove:

  • The medical facility or medical provider owed you a duty of care
  • The party failed to meet the standard of care
  • Their failure caused your injury 
  • You sustained damages because of the breach of duty and the resulting harm

A medical expert is required to testify about the standard of care that should have been used in your situation. The expert must also testify how the defendant breached the duty of care and caused your injury.

Of course, the other side presents its own expert witnesses to refute the evidence you present. In some cases, it could come down to a battle between experts.

If you believe you have a medical malpractice claim, call us. We can refer you to a lawyer who handles these cases.