Is Emergency Room Negligence Harming Our Children?
When parents rush their child to an emergency room, they assume their little one will receive the best possible care. But what if that ER isn’t properly equipped to treat pediatric patients? A disturbing new study reveals this nightmare scenario may be more common than we think—and it’s costing children’s lives.
The Alarming Reality of Pediatric Emergency Care
A national study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has uncovered a critical gap in our healthcare system: only 17% of U.S. emergency departments meet the standard for “high pediatric readiness.” This designation requires specific protocols for children, properly trained staff, and appropriately sized equipment.
The consequences are devastating. More than 8,000 children die annually after arriving at emergency rooms, and researchers estimate that a staggering 25% of these deaths—over 2,000 children each year—could be prevented with better pediatric readiness.
The Legal Implications for Families
When emergency rooms fail to maintain proper pediatric standards, it may constitute medical negligence—and a single negligent emergency room visit can forever alter a family’s trajectory. What begins as a routine trip for care can end in prolonged suffering, permanent disability, or the unimaginable loss of a child. Families affected by inadequate emergency care may have grounds for:
- Medical malpractice claims for improper treatment or misdiagnosis
- Wrongful death suits in cases of preventable fatalities
- Claims related to hospital policy failures and systemic negligence
While no legal action can undo the harm of negligence, holding facilities accountable not only secures the compensation families need for ongoing care; it also drives systemic change that can prevent future tragedies.
Taking Action After a Pediatric Emergency Room Error
If your child has suffered harm due to inadequate emergency care, it’s crucial to document everything about the ER visit and subsequent health issues. Obtain complete medical records immediately, get specialized pediatric care to address any ongoing medical needs, and consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney who understands these complex cases.
Time is of the essence in these situations. Ohio’s statute of limitations restricts how long you have to file a medical malpractice claim, and critical evidence can disappear quickly. The sooner you secure legal representation, the better positioned you’ll be to protect your child’s rights and future care needs.
Get the Legal Support You Deserve
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you seek justice when emergency rooms fail to provide adequate pediatric care. When your child is harmed by medical negligence or systemic failures, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (877) 944-4373 so that I can evaluate your case right away.
