ER wait times in Maryland are a constant source of complaints from residents who desperately need medical attention. Few people ever stop and ask themselves why this situation has become so bad – and this is understandable. After all, injured or sick patients have more pressing concerns than the systemic failures of our healthcare system. Many of these individuals become incapacitated or disabled due to excessive wait times at emergency rooms. Can a medical malpractice lawyer in Baltimore help if you find yourself in this situation?
Not Enough Hospital Beds
The core reasons for high wait times in Maryland are simple. This state has the longest ER wait times in the entire nation, and much of this inadequacy is caused by a lack of capacity. In other words, there simply aren’t enough hospital beds to serve all the patients who arrive at the emergency room. With no other option, hospitals must keep patients waiting for hours on end in the hope that these beds will become available.
Some hospitals have announced ambitious plans to renovate and expand their facilities. But while the goal is to create more capacity, critics say that this is too little, too late. The population of Maryland is growing, and this problem could become worse and worse with passing years.
Understaffing
Government oversight has highlighted issues like “behavioral health crises” and “lack of community healthcare” as contributing factors to long wait times. However, some say that the government is overlooking understaffing as another key factor.
Even a casual observer can see that there are not enough nurses for the number of patients coming into our hospitals. Sometimes, a single nurse is responsible for dozens of patients waiting in the ER. A low nurse-to-patient ratio implies that there is a funding problem in Maryland hospitals. One would expect that this problem is relatively easy to fix: Just hire more nurses.
Can You Sue for an Excessive ER Wait Time in Maryland?
It is possible to file a medical malpractice lawsuit if you were harmed by an excessive wait at a Maryland hospital ER. However, a long wait alone may not allow you to sue. In order to recover compensation, you must show that you suffered some kind of injury after being forced to wait for so long.
This might be a new injury or sickness. For example, you might have been exposed to an airborne illness. Perhaps you slipped and fell due to an overcrowded waiting room with walking hazards.
You might also sue if your existing condition became worse due to an excessive wait time. This is the most common type of ER waiting room lawsuit.
Can an Owings Mills Medical Practice Lawyer Help?
If you suffered unreasonable health consequences due to an excessive wait at an ER, consider a consultation with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer in Maryland. Choose Furman Honick Law to work with attorneys who understand how serious ER wait times can be. With our help, you can hold healthcare providers accountable for your unacceptable delay in treatment. Call Furman Honick today and speak with a partner for a free case evaluation.
Sources:
cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/why-the-long-wait-report-details-issues-behind-er-wait-times-in-maryland/
usatoday.com/videos/news/health/2024/04/09/maryland-hospital-emergency-room-wait-times-worst-country-report/71422108007/