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Kentucky Emergency Room Errors Lawyers
Demanding accountability for patients from offices in Lexington and Louisville
An emergency room can be a hectic place. The patients in an ER may be in life-or-death situations when they enter, requiring the immediate help and attention of a doctor. Speed, however, should not be a substitute for the standard of care all patients have the right to expect from their doctors.
At Crandall & Pera Law, we strive to hold negligent emergency room personnel responsible when their mistakes cause our clients additional pain and suffering. We are intimately familiar with the laws that govern emergency care in Kentucky. Our on-staff registered nurses and attorneys team up with retained experts to create a case that is grounded in sound medical judgment as well as the law. The lawyers of Crandall & Pera Law will strive to protect your best interests if you are hurt by a negligent ER staff member or doctor.
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Understanding the sudden emergency doctrine
Simply put, the emergency doctrine allows a person to act reasonably in an emergency situation to help another person without fear of being subject to a lawsuit. For example, if you are choking and someone administers CPR, the other person does not have to worry about a lawsuit if he or she cracks one of your ribs because the imminent danger of choking is deemed more severe than the dangers associated with a cracked rib.
Medical providers in the emergency room, however, are held to a higher standard of care than the average citizen. They are expected to understand the difficulties in emergency care and have been trained to handle those types of cases.
What are common emergency room errors in Kentucky?
ER doctors, nurses, and staff often work long shifts. Their fatigue and the already high-stress levels associated with emergency care may create an environment that puts patients at a greater risk of injury from negligent care. When negligent care occurs, not only the doctors but also the hospital and its staff may be liable for the injuries associated with emergency room errors. In Kentucky, you can bring a lawsuit against an emergency room doctor or hospital and its staff members for negligent care involving:
- Delayed treatment
- Misdiagnosing an injury or illness
- Prescription medication mistakes
- Failure to obtain a full medical history
- Failure to monitor a patient
- Anesthesia errors
- Releasing a patient before it is prudent to do so (also known as “patient dumping”)
- Failure to warn a patient
- Failing to obtain informed consent
Crandall & Pera Law understands the difference between the inherent risks associated with medical care and medical negligence. Our lawyers and registered nurses are experienced in investigating claims arising from emergency room mistakes. If we find that a hospital or its staff was negligent in their treatment, we put our years of experience to work for you. Please refer to our track record of success in emergency room malpractice cases throughout Kentucky; for example, in one case, we were able to obtain a settlement for $2.45 million for a woman who suffered brain damage after her condition was misdiagnosed in the ER. That money provides medical care for our client and helped secure a trust to ensure she will be taken care of in the future.
Why do Kentucky emergency room errors happen?
Emergency room errors can occur for a variety of reasons, often due to the fast-paced and high-pressure environment of emergency medical care. Here are some common factors contributing to emergency room errors.
High patient volume and overcrowding
Emergency rooms often face high patient volumes, leading to overcrowding and long wait times. This environment can overwhelm medical staff and increase the likelihood of errors. With many patients arriving simultaneously, properly prioritizing cases based on urgency can be difficult, sometimes leading to critical cases being overlooked or delayed.
Staff fatigue and burnout
ER staff often work long, demanding shifts with few breaks, leading to fatigue and decreased cognitive function. Chronic stress and overwork can lead to burnout, impacting a healthcare provider’s ability to make sound decisions and maintain a high standard of care.
Inadequate staffing and resources
Insufficient numbers of medical personnel can lead to rushed assessments and treatments, increasing the risk of mistakes. A lack of necessary medical supplies and equipment can hinder the ability to provide timely and effective care.
Communication breakdowns
Miscommunication or lack of communication between healthcare providers, patients, and families can result in errors such as incorrect medication administration or misinterpretation of patient symptoms. During shift changes or patient transfers, incomplete or inaccurate information handoffs can lead to critical information being missed.
Diagnostic errors
In the rush to treat multiple patients, thorough evaluations and diagnostic testing can be overlooked, leading to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. Quick judgments based on initial symptoms without comprehensive evaluation can result in incorrect diagnoses and inappropriate treatments.
Medication errors
Errors in prescribing medication, such as incorrect dosages or wrong medications, can occur due to rushed decisions or lack of information. Mistakes in administering medication, such as giving the wrong patient the wrong drug, can happen in a chaotic ER environment.
Procedural mistakes
Emergency procedures performed under pressure can lead to mistakes such as incorrect surgical techniques or improper wound care. Deviations from established medical protocols due to time constraints or oversight can lead to errors in patient care.
Inexperience and training gaps
Newly trained or less experienced medical staff may be more prone to errors, especially in high-pressure situations. Ongoing training and education are crucial for maintaining high standards of care, and gaps in training can contribute to mistakes.
Emergency room errors can have serious consequences for patients, potentially leading to worsened conditions or even life-threatening situations. Understanding the common causes of these errors is essential for implementing measures to prevent them and improve patient safety. If you believe you have been a victim of an emergency room error in Kentucky, it is important to seek legal advice to explore your options for holding responsible parties accountable and securing compensation for any harm suffered. At Crandall & Pera Law, we can help.
How can your Kentucky law firm help with my emergency room error case?
At Crandall & Pera Law, our Kentucky medical malpractice attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of emergency room errors work through the complexities of medical malpractice claims and secure the compensation they deserve. Here are some ways that we can assist you with your emergency room error case.
Conducting a thorough investigation
Our team conducts a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the emergency room error. Through a meticulous review of your medical records, interviewing witnesses, and gathering all relevant evidence, we are able to identify important factors and evidence. We collaborate with medical experts to evaluate the standard of care provided and identify any deviations that contributed to your injury. These experts play a vital role in establishing the connection between the medical error and the harm you suffered.
Building a strong case
Armed with thorough investigation results, we work diligently to build a compelling case on your behalf. Official documents, such as medical records, expert testimonies, and witness statements, can help support your claim. Our goal is to clearly demonstrate how the healthcare provider’s negligence caused your injury and resulted in damages. We carefully prepare your case so that it stands up to scrutiny, whether during negotiations or in court.
Negotiation and settlement
Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who work tirelessly to reach a fair settlement with the responsible parties or their insurance companies. We strive to secure compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. Our goal is to alleviate the financial and emotional toll that medical errors can take by securing a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of your injuries and future needs.
Litigation and trial representation
If we cannot reach a fair settlement, our firm will prepare to take your case to trial. Our attorneys have extensive courtroom experience and are dedicated to advocating for your rights before a judge or jury. We handle all aspects of the litigation process, from filing the lawsuit to presenting evidence and arguing your case. Our commitment is to achieve the best possible outcome for you, whether through settlement or trial.
Comprehensive support
Throughout the legal process, we provide personalized attention and compassionate support. We understand the stress and uncertainty that come with dealing with a medical malpractice case, and we are here to guide you every step of the way. Our team ensures that you are informed and supported, answering your questions and addressing your concerns promptly. We are dedicated to helping you recover and move forward with confidence.
By leveraging our experience, resources, and dedication, we are committed to providing you with the legal representation and support necessary to achieve justice and secure the compensation you deserve for the harm caused by emergency room errors.
Talk to our Kentucky emergency room error lawyers today
If you or a loved one has suffered due to an emergency room error, contact our experienced Kentucky medical malpractice attorneys today for a free consultation. Let us help you understand your rights, build a strong case, and fight for the compensation you deserve. With our dedicated support and legal representation, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the complexities of your claim. Call our offices to schedule a free consultation, or you may use our contact form. We maintain offices in Lexington and Louisville for your convenience.