How Is Early Discharge Malpractice Defined
Early discharge has been occurring in many cases; people are being discharged ahead of time. The main reason early discharge occurs is due to the financial benefit that it has for insurance companies and hospitals. While they are benefiting, it could be catastrophic for a patient, especially if they were not fully ready to be discharged in the first place. A patient could end up in the emergency room by getting more sick from the early discharge.
Is early discharge ever justified? The majority of people do not like to stay in the hospital. Patients want to be discharged as soon as possible. The saying “there’s no place like home” really applies when a person ends up in a hospital. Even though a person may want to leave early, a physician has to ensure that the patient is healthy enough and healing accordingly. Medical professionals need to make the right decisions. Patients are released for these reasons:
- The patient is displaying stable vital signs
- The patient has tested negative for infections
- The patient has been treated for their underlying problem
- The patient has a follow-up appointment
- The patient is able to care for themselves
- The patient has someone who will care for them
Usually, early discharge is acceptable when the patient has the above factors. The Orlando Medical malpractice lawyers serve those victims and their families.
What Does Early Discharge Become a Medical Malpractice?
Early discharge can be accepted when the patient is displaying certain factors. Early discharge becomes a medical malpractice when a patient is discharged and they were not ready to be let go. The patient ends up sicker or an infection develops as a result of the early discharge. The person will have to return to the hospital because their condition got worse. Some patients may even suffer catastrophic injuries or death.
If a physician releases a patient when they did not have stable vital signs, were not tested for infections, were not treated effectively, or were not given a follow-up appointment, early discharge in these instances can be considered a medical malpractice.
Premature Discharge Case Settlement
In Philidelphia, a man was awarded $19 million after being discharged too early. His early discharge left him with permanent brain damage. The man was released from the hospital with no explanation as to why he was suffering from hypoglycemia and with no treatment plan. Two days after his release, he suffered severe episodes of hypoglycemia. The man now requires 24/7 assistance.
Serving Early Discharged Patients in Orlando
No one likes to stay in hospitals. Patients might want to be released early, but it is the physician’s duty to establish that the patient is healthy enough and not displaying signs of infection before releasing them. If a patient suffers further injury by an early discharge, the physician can be held accountable. The attorneys at Percy Martinez Law firm believe that every patient should be treated and cared for efficiently, no matter how long it takes. They bring justice for all of their clients and are determined to get them everything they merit.
