You never want to visit an emergency room, however, this could happen when you least expect it. After all, this is why it’s called an “emergency” room.
Upon arrival, you hope that the medical team will take your situation seriously and provide you with a high level of care. While this is typically the case, it is not the way things always work out.
Due to the fast paced environment, there is always the chance that a mistake could be made. If this happens, your illness or injury may get worse before it gets better.
Some of the primary types of emergency room errors include:
— Failure to diagnose. Most mistakes in the emergency room are related to a failure to order the appropriate tests. For example, if a person complains of chest pain the staff should order a stress test and/or EKG. Failing to do so could cause the problem to persist, thus leading to something much more serious.
— Lost in the shuffle. Emergency rooms are often overcrowded, meaning that some people don’t receive the level of attention they deserve. If you find yourself waiting too long with a serious injury or illness, your condition could worsen.
Our attorneys are familiar with what can happen when a person visits an emergency room. While you hope for the best, you may not always get the right treatment. If you have been the victim of an emergency room error, reach out to us for professional advice. We are here to help you better understand what happened and to discuss your legal rights in North Carolina.