Visiting the emergency room can be a scary experience, but we trust the medical professionals who staff these areas to provide us with an adequate level of care. We do not expect any acts of negligence to occur in these situations — but unfortunately, some medical professionals commit serious errors that lead to additional injuries, worsening illnesses, and even death.
If you are the victim of an emergency room error in Atlanta, Hilley & Frieder, P.C. is here to help. Our lawyers have the power, resources, and experience necessary to recover the compensation you deserve.
Errors occur in emergency rooms across the country, including the Atlanta metro region. Nurses and doctors alike may commit these acts of negligence, as well as surgeons, anesthesiologists, and all other medical professionals.
Some of the most common types of emergency room errors include the following:
In many situations, committing these errors can mean the difference between life and death — or, at the very least, a worsening condition and an improvement in your health.
Failure to receive prompt, adequate care in the emergency room can cause severe complications, additional medical expenses, lengthier recovery periods, and a host of physical and emotional damages. If you believe you suffered further injury or worsening illness due to the negligence of emergency room personnel, you may be eligible for compensation through a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Medical malpractice lawsuits are civil claims that allege a medical professional committed an act of negligence while treating you, causing your injuries and damages. All lawsuits rely on the theory of negligence, and you will need to prove the following elements to establish its presence in your claim:
Your attorney can help you gather the evidence and resources necessary to prove the elements of negligence. You typically have two years from the date of the malpractice to file your lawsuit — speak to an attorney at Hilley & Frieder, P.C. to ensure you take your first steps before time runs out.
In general, the party most at fault for causing a plaintiff’s injury or illness is the one named as the defendant in a related civil lawsuit. An emergency room error claim can name one or multiple defendants, depending on the situation. Liability will come down to who is legally responsible for the damage in question – and, therefore, who should pay. In general, these are the parties named as defendants in emergency room error cases in Georgia:
Determining who is liable for the injuries that you suffered due to an emergency room error may require assistance from a lawyer. A lawyer can revisit the hospital or ER, speak to eyewitnesses, obtain copies of your medical records, hire qualified experts, and take other steps to gather evidence and determine liability. Then, your lawyer can submit this evidence to an insurance company or the courts to prove fault.
Filing a civil claim in Atlanta for a preventable emergency room error could result in a payout for you and your family that covers the losses you suffered due to medical malpractice. You may qualify for both economic and noneconomic damages, or financial compensation. Economic damages are the specific costs associated with the incident. They are often calculated using hard numbers from receipts and bills. Noneconomic damages are the general or intangible losses suffered by a plaintiff. They are more difficult to calculate.
Examples of the damages that may be available in an emergency room error lawsuit in Atlanta are:
The value of your case is something that you should discuss with an attorney before accepting an insurance settlement. You cannot always trust an insurance company to offer a fair payout, as it wants to maximize its profits by minimizing the benefits paid. However, you can always trust a lawyer, as your lawyer won’t get paid unless you do. A consultation with a lawyer at Hilley & Frieder, P.C. can help you understand how much your case is worth so that you seek fair and full financial compensation.
When we visit the emergency room, we expect a reasonable standard of care — and if a medical professional committed an act of malpractice while treating you in this setting, you deserve justice. Trust the attorneys at Hilley & Frieder, P.C. to advocate for your right to compensation.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our medical malpractice lawyers. We will gladly meet with you at our Atlanta offices or an alternative location upon request.