Medical Malpractice Blog

Emergency Room Waiting Times Longer than what they should be

Have you been a victim of Emergency Room wait times?

Malyia Jeffers, 2, from Sacramento, California, lost her left hand, fingers on her right hand, and both legs below the knee because of wait times and irresponsible nursing.

After developing a fever and bruise on her face, Malyia’s parents brought her to the emergency room, where they waited for five hours. During that time, the bruise spread to cover most of her face and ears and her fever increased from 101 to 103. After telling the triage nurse multiple times about their daughters worsening condition, her parents found another nurse who finally gave them treatment.

Malyia was diagnosed with a Strep A infection, also known as the “flesh eating bacteria.” Because the infection had been allowed to spread, oxygen was not getting to her limbs, which was the cause for her amputations.

According to a 2009 report from the Government Accountability Office, emergency room wait times are almost double the recommended time. On average, patients may wait up to six hours before being seen by a doctor.

If you need to go to the ER, do your research first. Does the closest hospital post their ER waiting times online? If so, check to see how long the wait is before you go. Also, once you get to the ER, don’t leave after waiting. Chances are the next ER you go to will have you waiting longer. Most importantly, if you are in the ER waiting room, and your condition worsens, notify a nurse right away.

If you were a victim of ER wait times, call The Thurswell Law Firm toll-free at (866) 354-5544 to discuss your legal rights.