When Can You Sue for Emergency Room Medical Malpractice?

Experienced Injury Attorneys Serving Victims of Emergency Room Malpractice throughout New Jersey

When you visit the emergency room for an illness or injury, you expect to receive professional medical care that puts you on the road to a speedy recovery. While this is the case for the majority of patients who seek emergency treatment, the statistics on emergency room malpractice are alarming.

According to one university study, over a 23-year period, emergency room patients filed over 11,500 claims for medical malpractice. That averages out to more than 500 claims annually – more than one every single day. Keep in mind, these are just the numbers for reported claims. It is well known that there are far more unreported instances of emergency room malpractice every year.

Do You Have a Claim?

So, how do you know if you have a claim for emergency room malpractice? How do you avoid becoming one of the unknown numbers of uncompensated victims who struggle with medical conditions caused by their visits to the emergency room? If you suspect or have been diagnosed with any of the following, you may have a claim for medical malpractice:

  • Errors in diagnosis (37 percent of emergency room malpractice claims)
  • Improper performance of a procedure (17 percent of emergency room malpractice claims)
  • Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (five percent of emergency room medical malpractice claims)
  • Bone fractures (six percent of emergency room medical malpractice claims)
  • Appendicitis (two percent of emergency room medical malpractice claims)

These are just some of the most common examples. From anesthesia errors to prescription errors and even errors in hospital administration (such as mixing up patients’ records), there are numerous other forms of medical negligence that can support claims for financial compensation.

Of course, not all claims are successful. In fact, of the 11,500-plus claims included in the study, only approximately 3,500 resulted in payment to the patient. This highlights the importance of hiring experienced legal representation. The large number of unsuccessful claims is likely a reflection of two key factors: (i) a large number of claimants who do not hire an attorney to represent them; and, (ii) other claimants hiring attorneys who are not experienced in pursuing claims for medical malpractice.

What Should You Do if You Suspect Medical Malpractice?

If you believe that you may have a claim for emergency room malpractice, it is critical that you seek experienced legal representation. An experienced attorney will be able to provide a critical assessment of your rights; and, if it does not appear that you are entitled to compensation, an experienced attorney will not put you through the stress and emotions of pursuing a claim that is unlikely to be successful.

However, if you are a victim of malpractice, the right attorney will be able to stand up for your rights and help you to secure payment that you almost certainly would not have been able to collect on your own.

Speak with an Emergency Room Malpractice Attorney in Bergen County, NJ

If you suspect emergency room malpractice and would like to speak with an attorney about your rights, contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey Hasson, P.C. in Teaneck, New Jersey. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, call (201) 928-0300 or send us a message online now.