Medical Malpractice and Premature Discharge
No one wants to stay in a hospital or medical facility longer than necessary. At the same time, it is important that medical professionals perform all the necessary tests to make sure that patients are healthy enough to return home.
When patients are prematurely discharged from the hospital, it can be harmful to their health. This action may be considered medical malpractice if a medical professional failed to maintain a certain standard of care. At the Tawwater Law Firm in Oklahoma City, OK, we can determine if your premature discharge constitutes a medical malpractice case.
Can Premature Discharge Constitute Medical Malpractice?
Doctors, nurses, and other staff are expected to provide a certain standard of care. This means that they are expected to offer the same level of care that would be provided by a similarly trained professional under similar circumstances.
For example, if a doctor did not run tests to diagnose potential conditions, or staff failed to monitor vital signs or schedule a follow-up visit, the patient may have a medical malpractice case.
Reasons for Premature Discharge from the Hospital
A hospital or doctor may release a patient if he or she appears to be stable. However, if the patient had to be readmitted, you may want to speak to an attorney about filing a medical malpractice claim.
Your early discharge may be because a medical professional:
- Misdiagnosed or failed to diagnose a condition
- Did not order the proper tests
- Did not schedule a follow-up visit
- Did not monitor vital signs and make sure the patient was stable enough to be released
- Failed to refer you to a specialist
- Did not keep a newborn in the hospital for at least 48 hours after birth
Unfortunately, when patients are released from a hospital or medical facility too early, they may have to go to the emergency room and be readmitted due to worsening of the symptoms and condition. If the early discharge should have been prevented, and your health suffered as a result, you may have a medical malpractice case.
Damages in Medical Malpractice Cases
Those that file a medical malpractice lawsuit have the right to seek compensation for any physical and emotional damages that were caused by the injury. This may include:
- Medical bills, including but not limited to, ambulance fees, hospital fees, rehabilitation expenses, and emergency room visits.
- Loss of wages, including any wages that you missed due to your injury, as well as future lost wages and compensation for loss of earning capacity.
- The emotional and physical pain and suffering that you have endured.
In the case of wrongful death, loved ones can also seek:
- Compensation for loss of companionship
- Expenses related to funeral and burial costs
It is important to provide evidence of financial losses and expenses, such as medical bills and lost wages. In addition, patients can obtain compensation for pain and suffering. Our attorneys in Oklahoma City will demonstrate how your injury affected you financially and emotionally so we can recover a favorable settlement or award in your case.
Contact Our Practice
To have an attorney review your medical malpractice case, contact our practice online today. You can also call us in Oklahoma City at (405) 607-1400.