New Jersey is a major hub for health care with its proximity to New York and Philadelphia and their major hospital systems. However, that also means exposure to the risk of malpractice. Malpractice may be more likely to occur depending on the type of diagnosis and the department of the hospital.
Diagnosis and malpractice in emergency rooms
A new study examined malpractice claims from emergency rooms to find out where these claims happen and what takes place. They found that the types of diagnosis that were most likely to be connected to a malpractice claim were vascular and neurology. The most common mistake cited in cases was being too slow to order a diagnostic test or not ordering one at all. Other frequent problems include failing to monitor medical status and failing to consult management.
Emergency rooms are the most chaotic and unstable parts of the hospital, so the error rates tend to be highest there. Hospital systems and doctors need to be aware of this and carry out proper continuity of care, monitoring and testing. Malpractice cases are there to help patients and family members get the compensation they deserve when someone falls through the cracks. There are many sources of error; the ones listed in the study are just the most frequent examples.
Medical malpractice can lead to serious injury or death, so a deeper understanding of where it comes from will help everyone. When cases do happen, the legal system offers a way to resolve the outcome. The system is not perfect, but it does provide a way for victims to obtain a type of justice for what they experience.