Everyday, doctors make the decision to send patients home. In most cases, this is the right call to make. In others, a patient is discharged too early. When a patient is forced to return to the hospital or another medical care facility because they aren’t stable, it could result in a medical malpractice case being filed. Here’s what you should know about how a too-early discharge can result in a lawsuit.
When it comes to medical malpractice, one of the elements that must be proven is that another medical professional in a similar situation would not have acted in the same way. In other words, another doctor would not have made the decision to discharge the patient given a similar set of circumstances. You must also be able to prove that being discharged was a direct cause of further harm.
There are a number of reasons that a doctor or hospital may discharge a patient too soon. The hospital may have limited staff, they may have too high a volume, or they may be concerned about the number of beds that are available. Because all of these reasons are preventable, each may result in a successful lawsuit being filed.
If you are worried that you may be being discharged too soon, you can protect yourself. Ask to speak with your doctor and let them know your concerns. If you don’t have an ability to care for yourself or to have someone care for you once you are released, let the doctor know. You can also request your discharge rights in writing. You can also follow these steps if you believe that a family member is being discharged before they should be.
If you believe that you were discharged too soon from a hospital in Charleston, you may have a right to compensation. A successful lawsuit will depend on the elements that are able to be proven in a court of law. Reach out to our team of medical malpractice attorneys today and schedule an appointment for a free case evaluation. We will review the facts surrounding your hospital stay and subsequent discharge and advise you of your options.
