If you or a loved one has ever been in the hospital, you know that finally being able to go home is one of the greatest feelings, but do you know that early discharge is one of the most common causes of medical malpractice? Early hospital discharges are increasing at an alarming rate. Hundreds of thousands of patients are being sent home before they are ready.
You might be thinking, “Why would doctors rush their patients’ treatment?” The answer is because of money. The hospital gets paid more when they bring in new patients. Therefore, every day a patient remains in the hospital they are taking the bed of a new patient and costing the hospital money.
According to a recent study, 20% of patients experience preventable adverse medical events within three weeks of being prematurely discharged from the hospital.
When a patient is sent home too early after a serious illness or injury, doctors are not available to respond to the patient if problems occur. The patient is no longer being monitored as closely as they should be, and they become vulnerable to dangerous side effects.
There are things you can do to prevent post-discharge complications.
- Pay attention to your prescriptions. If you were put on new medication while you were in the hospital, make sure you understand what you’re taking and how to take it. Monitor your reactions to new medications. If you notice a problem, talk to your doctor immediately.
- Be clear on all of your follow-up care plans. Double check any pending tests and ask your primary care physician to explain your diagnosis, treatment plan, and what any test results mean for your continued care.
- Be aware of possible complications and pay close attention to any and all symptoms.
If you or a family member believe you may have been harmed by an early hospital discharge, you have to call me right away at 1 (800) 556-4769.
I will help you prove that your doctor was negligent in sending you home. I will investigate whether the doctor performed all necessary tests, monitored your vital signs, scheduled follow-ups, and correctly diagnosed your condition.
I will also help you prove that the damage you suffered would have been prevented if you stayed in the hospital. Medical malpractice can be extremely difficult to prove, and that is why you shouldn’t try to do it alone. As your Ohio Medical Malpractice Lawyer, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For more than 33 years, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving “Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus & Cincinnati, Ohio.” You can reach Tim by email at tmisny@misnylaw.com or call at 1 (800) 556-4769.
