ER Neglect
Each year, millions of people go to the Emergency Room for medical attention. Even so, each year people die while waiting for medical care in the ER. ER neglect is real. Here, we share a story from the news.
Man Dies In York ER
On August 16, a man arrived at Wellspan York Hospital’s emergency room. An ambulance brought him in for care. The patient had dizziness and nausea. But, the ER staff never spoke to the man. This man died alone in the emergency room.
Patient Neglect
During transit to the hospital, the patient was on oxygen. Cameras show EMS staff remove the oxygen in the ambulance. The EMS staff spoke with the pivot nurse about the patient. Additionally, the pivot nurse never spoke to the patient during the check-in process.
Cameras in the ER waiting room show how it all unfolded. Video shows nurses walk past and neglect the patient. The patient remained motionless for over an hour and a half. After calling his name, they marked him as leaving without being seen. When they discovered him, they attempted resuscitation, but he had already died.
Cover Up
WellSpan York Hospital in Pennsylvania played a part in covering up the “mistake.” Staff stated the patient did not respond to his name called. Records state the patient “left without being seen.” But the video shows no one interacted with the patient until after he was dead.
The Vice President of Medical Affairs stated:
“…In this instance, we did not meet the high standards to which we hold ourselves every day. We have reviewed what happened and taken immediate steps to correct any issues which contributed to this event. We are committed to doing our very best, every day, for every patient, and we will continue to work hard to make sure that happens.”
Out Of Compliance
Pennsylvania’s Medical Care Availability and Reduction Act found the hospital was out of compliance. They determined this by special observational check-ins the following days.
The hospital also conducted its own investigation before reporting the incident to the state. This is against state law. The hospital did not follow procedures.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is when medical professionals do not act within the standards of care. When ER neglect occurs, this is not according to the standards of care.
The patient has to prove:
Doctor-patient relationship
Did not meet the standard of care
The connection between negligence and the patient’s injury
Quantifiable damages to the patient
ER Neglect
Sadly, ER neglect is nothing new. As hospitals cut corners and overwork their staff, patients suffer. A week before the news story we shared above, we received a call. A local hospital ER neglected a mother waiting for emergency treatment. She died in the ER while waiting.
Wrongful Death
If a patient dies due to ER neglect, the family has the right to file a wrongful death claim. Wrongful death statutes help widows and their survivors with financial support.
Nothing can ease the pain of losing a loved one. However, holding the negligent party accountable provides justice for the wrongly departed. Additionally, this provides an incentive to correct the problems that caused the death.
File a Lawsuit
You deserve to feel safe and receive proper care in the emergency room. It is unacceptable for medical professionals to not abide by the standard of care. Furthermore, when ER neglect causes permanent injury or death, talk to a lawyer.
If you or a loved one suffered injury because of ER neglect, call us today. We will fight for your right to compensation. We will hold the wrongdoers accountable to prevent future accidents.
Our New Jersey and Pennsylvania attorneys are ready for your call. We are sympathetic to your situation and are here to help you through this painful process.