Emergency rooms are places for very sick or very injured individuals to go and receive emergency care. They are for people who need an accurate diagnosis and appropriate medical care, fast. While many emergency rooms do provide quality care for patients, some visitors to the ER may actually face further health complications later because of a missed diagnosis or an incorrect diagnosis.
If you went to a New Mexico ER for medical care yet did not receive appropriate treatment or suffered from additional health problems because the doctor misdiagnosed your issue, you have options. You have the right to expect a certain standard of care when in a hospital, and responsible parties are liable for damages that result from a deviation from this standard.
Why do ER mistakes happen in the first place?
As a victim of a misdiagnosis, you may be wondering how this type of mistake happens. It can be helpful to understand the sources of many ER mistakes, and some of the most common relate to the following:
- Too many patients
- Too few doctors and staff
- Lack of equipment
- Lack of experienced personnel
- Misreading charts, test results or x-rays
Whatever the reason, you have the right to pursue recovery for what you experienced. It may be appropriate for you to seek compensation through a medical malpractice claim.
Commonly misdiagnosed conditions
Emergent patients have the right to expect doctors to appropriately diagnose their condition and provide the necessary treatment. However, mistakes happen, and it is possible that a doctor misinterpreted symptoms. Some of the most commonly misdiagnosed symptoms and health conditions in the ER include:
- Stomach pain
- Heart attack in women
- Chest pain
- Rectal bleeding
- Pulmonary embolism
Any of these symptoms may relate to different medical conditions, but finding the right source is crucial to solving the issue or even saving the patient’s life.
Fighting for victims of ER mistakes
When an ER doctor makes a mistake, innocent patients can suffer. If you believe that you are a victim of a misdiagnosis or another type of medical malpractice, you do not have to suffer alone.
As a victim, you would be wise to take quick action to protect your rights. This may include reaching out for help and a complete evaluation of your case, as well as seeking a full understanding of your legal options. You do not have to suffer in silence, but you may speak out and work to hold liable parties accountable for what you suffered.
