Emergency Room Negligence

90 Years of Serving Our Neighbors in Western Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Emergency Room Negligence Lawyers

Trusted Legal Advocacy For Emergency Room Negligence Lawsuits in Pennsylvania

People turn to hospital emergency rooms in moments of fear and urgency, trusting that medical professionals will act with precision and care. Despite the fast-paced nature of emergency rooms, physicians and nurses are still expected to meet the same high standards of medical assistance. Patients rely on their training and judgment to make the right decisions—decisions that can mean the difference between life and death.

When emergency room professionals fail to diagnose serious conditions, make critical errors, or act negligently, the consequences can be devastating, leading to permanent injuries or even the loss of a loved one. Such failures are not only unacceptable but can also leave families struggling with pain, grief, and unanswered questions.

At Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C., our Pennsylvania emergency room negligence lawyers are committed to helping victims and their families seek justice.

If you or someone you care about has been harmed due to emergency room negligence, contact our compassionate and dedicated Pennsylvania medical malpractice attorneys today at (724) 658-8535 for a free case evaluation. We represent residents of Western Pennsylvania in pursuing accountability and the compensation they deserve.

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What Is Emergency Room Negligence?

Emergency room negligence occurs when medical professionals in an emergency room setting fail to meet the accepted standard of care, leading to preventable harm to patients. In Pennsylvania, these cases often involve errors made in high-pressure environments where healthcare providers are expected to act quickly. Despite the high-pressure nature of these settings, healthcare providers are legally obligated to deliver a standard of care consistent with what a reasonably competent professional would provide under similar circumstances. 

Unlike unavoidable complications or outcomes, negligence typically involves preventable mistakes that could have been avoided with proper attention or action. Victims must demonstrate that their injuries were a direct result of the provider’s failure to uphold their duty of care.

While emergency room negligence is a type of medical malpractice, it stands apart due to the unique circumstances in which it occurs. Emergency rooms handle urgent, often life-or-death situations, and decisions must frequently be made in seconds.

Pennsylvania law recognizes that emergency room providers may face extraordinary challenges, but this does not excuse negligent behavior. Unlike other malpractice cases, emergency room claims often involve proving that the provider’s actions were unreasonable even under the chaotic conditions of an ER. Additionally, the nature of emergency room injuries often involves immediate and severe outcomes, making these cases particularly high-stakes for victims.

If you or someone you love has suffered due to emergency room negligence in Pennsylvania, it’s critical to take action as soon as possible. The attorneys at Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. are dedicated to helping victims hold negligent medical providers accountable. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you seek justice and secure the compensation you deserve.

Uncovering the Negligence

When critical symptoms are overlooked, complaints are dismissed, or necessary tests and treatments are not provided, the results can be tragic. Emergency rooms are meant to be places where urgent medical needs are met with skilled care and attention. 

Did a triage nurse overlook telltale symptoms in assessing and prioritizing patients? Did the treating physician ignore patient complaints or fail to order additional tests and lab work as indicated? Was the course of treatment appropriate, including surgery or medications? Was the patient discharged from the ER when protocol called for continued observation?

We have secured damages on behalf of families for:

  • A man who complained of pains in his chest, arm, and neck was sent home instead of being held for observation and suffered a fatal heart attack
  • A woman who reported terrible headaches was examined but discharged and then suffered a brain aneurysm
  • A patient who died because ER doctors failed to diagnose meningitis

Jurors often recognize the challenges faced by medical professionals, including emergency room staff who work in high-pressure environments. However, when a patient suffers due to preventable errors, it is important to focus on the facts. We work to clearly demonstrate what should have been done and how the decisions or oversights of doctors and nurses led to harm, holding them accountable for emergency room negligence.

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We only work with clients and cases we truly believe in, we take your case because we genuinely believe in both you and your case’s importance.

Reach out to Us

Schedule a Free Consultation

Having represented over 10,000 clients, we’ve brought more cases to trial than many attorneys in Western PA

How Emergency Room Negligence Can Lead to Devastating Consequences

Errors in emergency rooms can have immediate and life-altering effects on patients. The fast-paced environment of an ER does not excuse negligence, as even small mistakes can lead to severe harm. In Pennsylvania, emergency room negligence often manifests through delayed diagnosis, improper treatment, or procedural mistakes, each of which can significantly impact a patient’s health and future. 

Negligence TypeConsequences
Delayed/MisdiagnosisWorsening of critical conditions, incorrect treatment, or death
Improper Treatment/Medication ErrorsAdditional injuries, prolonged recovery, drug reactions, or life-threatening complications
Failure to Test/Consult SpecialistsMissed diagnoses, mismanaged care, or deterioration of condition
Surgical/Procedural ErrorsPermanent disability, infections, or fatal outcomes due to procedural mistakes

When emergency room staff fail to promptly and accurately diagnose a medical issue, the results can be catastrophic. Critical conditions like strokes, heart attacks, internal bleeding, or infections often require immediate intervention to prevent severe complications or death.

A delayed diagnosis means valuable time is lost, allowing the condition to worsen. Misdiagnosis, on the other hand, leads to incorrect treatments that may harm the patient further while the real issue remains unaddressed. A misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis caused by negligence can constitute a breach of the standard of care and may be grounds for legal action.

Once a diagnosis is made, proper treatment must follow. However, in emergency rooms, improper treatment is a common form of negligence. This can include administering the wrong treatment, failing to follow established medical protocols, or errors in medication.

Medication mistakes can involve:

  • Prescribing or administering the wrong drug.
  • Providing incorrect dosages.
  • Overlooking allergies or harmful drug interactions.

Improper treatment can lead to additional injuries, prolonged recovery times, or even life-threatening complications. Patients depend on emergency room staff to make informed decisions, and negligence in this area can have devastating consequences.

Emergency room staff are responsible for conducting appropriate diagnostic tests to identify underlying medical issues. When healthcare providers fail to order necessary tests, such as blood work, imaging studies, or other diagnostics, critical conditions may go unnoticed.

Additionally, some cases require consultation with specialists, such as cardiologists, neurologists, or surgeons. Failing to involve the necessary experts can result in mismanagement of the patient’s care, worsening their condition. Such omissions can be considered negligent behavior when they deviate from what is expected of competent ER professionals.

Surgical and procedural errors in an emergency room setting are particularly serious. These errors may occur during emergency surgeries or routine procedures performed under time-sensitive conditions.

Common examples include:

  • Performing the wrong procedure or operating on the wrong site.
  • Leaving surgical instruments inside the body.
  • Improperly closing wounds, leading to infections or other complications.

Such mistakes can leave patients with permanent disabilities, infections, or even result in fatalities. While the fast-paced nature of an ER is acknowledged, these errors often stem from preventable missteps or lapses in judgment.

Emergency room negligence can result in life-altering consequences for patients and their families. If you have suffered harm due to negligent care in a Pennsylvania emergency room, our seasoned attorneys at Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. can help.

Contact our team today at (724) 658-8535 to discuss your case and take the first step toward holding negligent parties accountable.

A Compassionate Path Forward

Our Family is Here to Help Yours

Our Pennsylvania emergency room negligence lawyers at LGKG stand ready to advocate for your rights and seek the accountability and compensation you need to move forward.

Contact us today at (724) 658-8535 for a free consultation and let us help you take the next step toward justice.

Victims of emergency room negligence in Pennsylvania have legal rights designed to hold medical professionals accountable and provide compensation for the harm caused. It is crucial to understand the duty of care owed by emergency room staff, how state laws protect victims, and the time limits for pursuing a claim.

The Duty of Care ER Professionals Must Follow

Emergency room professionals are legally bound to provide care that meets the accepted standard within the medical community. This standard is based on what a reasonably competent medical professional would do in similar circumstances.

In the context of emergency rooms, the duty of care can include:

  • Promptly assessing and prioritizing patients based on the severity of their condition.
  • Administering appropriate treatments, medications, and diagnostic tests based on medical guidelines.
  • Monitoring patients for changes in their condition and responding accordingly.

When this duty of care is breached, and the breach results in harm, victims may be entitled to pursue a legal claim. Pennsylvania courts evaluate whether the actions of the medical professional fell below the expected standard, considering the urgency and nature of the emergency room environment.

How Pennsylvania Law Protects Victims of Medical Malpractice

Pennsylvania law provides a framework for victims of emergency room negligence to seek justice. These protections include legal recourse to recover damages for the harm caused by negligent care.

Victims can pursue compensation for:

  • Medical expenses incurred due to the negligent treatment.
  • Lost wages or diminished earning capacity.
  • Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.

To succeed in a claim, victims must prove four key elements:

  1. A doctor-patient relationship existed: The medical professional owed a duty of care to the patient.
  2. The duty of care was breached: The medical treatment fell below the accepted standard of care.
  3. The breach caused harm: The negligence directly resulted in injuries or worsened the patient’s condition.
  4. The harm led to damages: The patient suffered measurable losses, such as medical bills or lost income.

Pennsylvania’s laws are designed to provide victims with a clear path to pursue accountability while also balancing the rights of medical providers.

Statute of Limitations for Filing an Emergency Room Negligence Claim

In Pennsylvania, victims of medical malpractice, including emergency room negligence, must file their claim within a specific timeframe known as the statute of limitations. Generally, this is two years from the date the negligence occurred or from the date the victim discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the harm.

It’s important to act promptly because:

  • Missing the statute of limitations deadline can result in the court dismissing the case, leaving the victim without legal recourse.
  • Building a strong case requires time to gather evidence, consult medical experts, and assess the full extent of the damages.

For minors, Pennsylvania law extends the statute of limitations to two years after the individual turns 18. This allows younger victims additional time to seek justice.

If you believe you have been harmed due to emergency room negligence in Pennsylvania, it is critical to act within the legal timeframes to protect your rights. Our attorneys at Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. work diligently to help victims manage the legal process and pursue the compensation they deserve.

Schedule a free consultation at (724) 658-8535 to discuss your case and learn more about how we can assist you.

When emergency room negligence causes harm, choosing the right legal representation is an important step toward holding medical providers accountable. At Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. (LGKG), we combine extensive experience, compassionate client service, and a commitment to achieving justice for victims throughout Pennsylvania.

Our Track Record of Success in Pennsylvania Medical Malpractice Cases

With more than 90 years of experience, LGKG has built a reputation for helping victims of medical negligence achieve meaningful outcomes. We have successfully secured significant settlements and verdicts for clients in cases involving emergency room errors, misdiagnoses, and other forms of malpractice.

Our results reflect a deep understanding of Pennsylvania’s medical malpractice laws and a dedication to protecting the rights of victims and their families. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we work to hold negligent providers accountable for the harm they have caused.

Personalized Legal Representation for Victims of Emergency Room Negligence

At LGKG, we believe that every case deserves individualized attention. We know that no two situations are the same, and we take the time to truly listen to your story.

Our approach includes:

  • Open and direct communication so you can feel confident and informed throughout the process.
  • A focus on the unique details of your case to develop strategies that reflect your needs and goals.
  • A commitment to treating you with care and respect, recognizing the emotional and physical toll that medical negligence can take.

​We recognize the profound impact that a permanent injury or the loss of a loved one can have on your life. While our attorneys have earned board certification in civil trial law, reflecting their substantial experience in the courtroom, we understand that some cases may not reach a settlement. In such situations, we are prepared to advocate on your behalf at trial, striving to secure the compensation that reflects the depth of your loss and supports your journey toward healing.​

Free Consultations and No Upfront Fees: Our Client-First Approach

At Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C., we believe that fair compensation should be accessible to everyone. Pursuing a legal case can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with the emotional and physical challenges caused by emergency room negligence. To help ease this burden, we provide free consultations where we review the details of your situation, answer your questions, and explain your legal options—all at no cost to you.

Additionally, our services are offered on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not have to worry about upfront legal fees, as payment is only required if we successfully obtain compensation on your behalf. This approach allows you to focus on your recovery and personal well-being while we concentrate on building a strong case and advocating for your rights. It is our commitment to making the legal process as straightforward and stress-free as possible, so you can move forward with confidence.

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