When it comes to growing trends among the public, one of the most distressing is the discharge of seemingly “stable” patients from emergency room care too quickly. Before their symptoms and problems can be adequately addressed, an emergency room physician approaches the patient with an update on their condition. The patient is told that their condition is “stable” and that it is safe to return home. 

Even though patients are encouraged to return for emergency care if symptoms persist, serious consequences can result from premature discharge from the emergency room. Serious, life-threatening conditions can become even more dangerous when not treated properly once emergency care is sought. 

If you have been discharged from an emergency room prematurely, contact Crim Law Office, PLLC. Our team of legal professionals can provide you with a free case review, focusing on the issues that matter most to your case. 

Emergency Rooms and Continuity of Care

When an emergency room discharges a “stable” patient prematurely, it puts the person in an unenviable position. 

Option A is to go home and feel terrible. Their condition may intensify and lead to very bad outcomes where no physician is present to treat the individual. 

Option B is to go from emergency room to emergency room, seeking care from multiple hospitals- sometimes in a single day. This is an inefficient way to receive medical care and may still not allow a correct diagnosis of the underlying condition. 

The bottom line is that continuity of care is not maintained when a patient is discharged from emergency care too soon. Every time a new provider- a doctor or nurse- steps in to treat a patient, something is lost in knowledge of the patient. Communication is key at this stage of treatment. When essential information is not communicated clearly from patient to patient, mistakes can occur. 

Steps Patients Can Take to Prevent ER Mistakes

Before being discharged from the emergency room, it is good to ask the doctors and nurses questions. Decisions to discharge patients are made based on the person’s current condition. Since a patient’s condition can change quickly, a patient may appear healthy enough to be discharged. However, their underlying condition may be just as unwell as when they entered the emergency room. 

A “stable” patient in many or even most circumstances should be considered for discharge. There is a battery of tests that emergency room doctors put patients through prior to considering them for discharge. Some tests involve blood work, others physical mobility and strength. When a test is passable, a physician will often give the go-ahead for discharge. While this may work in most cases, in certain instances it can lead to negative results. 

At all times, be polite to medical professionals, but continue to pursue answers to questions about discharge from emergency care. Along with asking questions, if able, advocate for yourself prior to discharge. Second opinions can be requested. Nurses are bound by their duty to patients to try to advance a patient’s care, too. 

What Common Mistakes are Made in Emergency Rooms?

Even “stable” patients can run into errors made on their behalf by doctors and nurses. Quick decisions under pressure can lead to significant problems for patients when mistakes occur. 

Medical misdiagnosis is one of the most common mistakes made in emergency rooms. The failure to diagnose a condition can result in premature discharge. If a patient is discharged too early and is only later properly diagnosed, the delay may have serious consequences of its own. Improper care or the failure to treat at all may result in a patient being released from care without full consideration of their issues. 

Emergency room patients require diligent monitoring. The reason a person presents to an emergency room is that he or she is experiencing immediate, overwhelming pain or another symptom. As a result, even if the condition appears to be stabilizing, it does not necessarily mean it will remain stable throughout their emergency room stay. Failing to monitor the vital signs of a “stable” patient can be serious, leading to adverse consequences. 

How Our West Virginia Emergency Room Negligence Lawyer Helps Clients

An experienced West Virginia emergency room negligence lawyer provides clarity and intentionality to a difficult circumstance following a premature emergency room discharge. The feeling of being sent home from an emergency room before you are ready is deflating. It can seem like nobody is listening to your needs. 

That is where Crim Law Office, PLLC enters the picture. We understand the trying circumstances you find yourself in. Not being able to work, being injured or ill- it is a heavy burden for you to shoulder. Instead of going it alone, consider what our team of legal professionals can provide for you and your family:

• A thorough investigation of your case. Whatever occurred in the emergency room and afterward, our office knows how to get to the bottom of a premature discharge. Whether it’s medical records, expert opinions, or anything in between, we work diligently on behalf of our clients. 
• Determining who is responsible for your medical condition. It can be difficult to determine who bears primary responsibility for your injuries. Be it a hospital, physician, nurse, or other medical professional, our clients trust the Crim Law Office, PLLC to investigate their matter and identify all responsible parties. 
• Whether your case is settled via negotiations with an insurance company or must be taken to the courthouse, our office takes the responsibility of serving clients seriously. The support, confidence, and planning your situation requires is at the top of our priority list. 

Contact Crim Law Office, PLLC Today For a Free Case Review

Speak with a client-focused West Virginia emergency room negligence lawyer today. Our team puts clients first in everything we do.