ED Legal Letter
RSSArticles
-
Wrong Box Checked in Chart? Common, Careless Error Complicates Defense
There are two types of discrepancies that can cause major problems for the defense during malpractice litigation. One, a discrepancy between the emergency physician's (EP) documentation and nursing documentation. Two, a discrepancy between the EP and obvious reality.
-
EDs Brought into Litigation Alleging Misinterpreted CT Scans
Misread scans and films are the leading cause of patient injury involving diagnostic radiologists, according to a recent analysis of closed malpractice claims.
-
Poor Outcomes More Likely if ED Is Ill Prepared for Children
Critically ill children die at a lower rate if they present to an emergency department with a higher pediatric readiness score, according to the authors a recent analysis.
-
6 Common Fact Patterns in Pediatric-Related ED Lawsuits
Certain fact patterns arise repeatedly in malpractice cases involving pediatric patients presenting to the emergency department. Medical/legal experts identify and explain these patterns.
-
Analysis Reveals Malpractice Risks When Providing Pediatric Care in ED
Learn some practices that can help general emergency departments defend against malpractice litigation — or prevent it in the first place.
-
Survey Identifies Ways to Improve Transfer of Stroke Patients
If any delays or glitches happen in transferring a stroke patient for time-sensitive treatment and the family sues, a plaintiff attorney is sure to make a huge issue of it.
-
Longer Treatment Time Frames for ED Stroke Patients Mean More Potential Plaintiffs
Future stroke-related litigation against emergency departments is likely to be fueled by greater numbers of possible plaintiffs, due to updated recommendations for expanded treatment time windows.
-
Liability Protection Not Absolute for ED Volunteers
Volunteer emergency department providers should verify their malpractice insurance covers voluntary service. Hospitals should check that volunteer providers are covered under the hospital’s malpractice insurance. Additionally, leaders should look to relevant state law to determine the extent of liability protections related to volunteers.
-
Psychiatric Patients Pose Unique Legal Risks During Pandemic
If an emergency department is packed with respiratory patients, psychiatric patients could end up boarded for hours or days. This is not good for patients, and creates liability exposure.
-
Delayed Care, Misdiagnoses Still Happening, Regardless of COVID-19 Surges
Just because there are surges of respiratory patients in the emergency department does not mean there are any fewer stroke, heart attack, or septic patients. There will not be fewer lawsuits, either, if any of these patients receive delayed care or are misdiagnosed.