Emergency room in a hospital

Bandage Over a Bullet Wound Leads to Malpractice Lawsuit

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Q: Are emergency room errors grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit? 

Santa Fe and Albuquerque New Mexico medical malpractice attorneys counsel victims on the many different types of medical malpractice. 

What is medical malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor or other healthcare provider “deviates from the acceptable standard of care” and, as a result of that negligence, a victim either:

  • was caused harm;
  • was left in a worsened condition;
  • experienced unreasonable complications; or 
  • required additional medical treatment. 

More simply, it’s when a patient suffers because the doctor didn’t follow standard procedures that a reasonably prudent doctor or health care professional would have followed under the same circumstances. Bad bedside manner alone doesn’t satisfy this requirement.

What are examples of medical malpractice?

Some examples of medical malpractice include, but aren’t limited to:

  • emergency room errors;
  • missed diagnosis of cancer or cardiac conditions;
  • cosmetic surgery errors;
  • birth injuries;
  • pediatrics misdiagnosis;
  • lack of informed consent, and more.

Recently, a woman reportedly injured in a drive-by shooting sought treatment in the emergency room of a local hospital for a head wound. But according to her partner who was also injured during the incident, she received “a bandage and antibiotics and was sent home” from the ER. 

Allegedly, she then suffered headaches, short-term memory loss, and kept repeating herself. After three days of suffering and a visit to a different hospital, “an x-ray discovered the slug” in her head. According to her partner, legal action against the first hospital is planned. 

Medical malpractice falls under the general umbrella of personal injury law. While state laws differ and each situation is unique, if liability is proven, compensatory damages may be awarded for such things as current and future medical costs, current and future lost wages, pain and suffering and more.

Contact Hunt Law Today If You Are a Victim of Medical Malpractice

If you or a loved one has been injured by the negligent, reckless or intentional actions of a doctor, hospital, or healthcare worker, the Hunt Law Firm may help maximize the compensation to which you may be entitled. Contact our office today for a consultation.

From our offices in Santa Fe, we’ve represented injury victims in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Raton, Roswell, Los Alamos, Las Vegas, and throughout the state of New Mexico for nearly 20 years.