According to Emergency Room Error Chris J. Roy, Jr. of Alexandria, Louisiana, there are certain types of Emergency Room errors that occur with alarming frequency, on both the nationwide and local levels. Such errors include:
Misreading X-rays of Fractures and Related Injuries
A common source of error involves failure to diagnose a fracture on an x-ray that is picked up at a later time. Another common error is the diagnosis of a fracture when there is, in fact, no injury present. Also, certain other injuries may be suggested by the presence or absence of x-ray findings and failure to order the proper additional exams is another source of error and/or malpractice.
Misinterpretation of Laboratory Tests
Misinterpretation (“misreading”) laboratory test results is another source of error. Such errors may result in the incorrect diagnosis and the associated wrong treatment of the disease that is actually present.
Misreading an EKG
There is a saying among Emergency Room personnel to the effect that “An abnormal EKG is helpful but a normal EKG doesn’t mean that the patient ISN’T having a heart attack.” Error in reading EKGs can have serious, and possibly fatal, consequences.
Failure to Stabilize and Transfer
In many cases, hospitals and Emergency Rooms are unable to provide the appropriate level of care that is necessary for many types of injury or other emergencies. In such situations, the Emergency Room staff has a duty to first stabilize, to the best of their ability, the patient’s condition, and to then arrange transport to a facility with the appropriate resources. Failure to perform these duties in a timely manner may result in liability for malpractice.