A reliable and efficient medical transportation is important to save lives, particularly during emergencies. Otherwise, it can lead to further harm or danger, which may also expose healthcare providers to legal consequences such as medical malpractice lawsuits.
Healthcare providers have the duty to protect patients from harm, including death, and this responsibility also applies when transporting them from one location to another. Particularly during emergencies, any delays might only result in disaster. For instance, burn patients suffering from severe burns and patients suffering from heart attacks should be rushed to the nearest hospital--without any delays.
The Impact of Delayed Medical Transportation on Patients' Health
When a patient is in critical condition, even a few minutes can make a life-altering difference. Delays in transferring patients to or between medical facilities can result in:
Worsening of injuries
A patient's condition may deteriorate if delays occur during transportation. This explains why regulators strongly urge healthcare providers and professionals to strictly follow standard protocols.
During road accidents, those who sustained critical injuries need urgent medical attention to prevent further complications and even death. Hospitals that fail to respond in a timely manner to these emergencies or commit negligence in any way may face charges for medical malpractice.
Long-term disability
Prompt medical intervention can significantly reduce the severity of injuries. Any delays may not only worsen their condition but may also lead patients to become impaired for life.
Wrongful Death
Unfortunately, there have been multiple cases where a patient's death could have been prevented if they had been treated immediately and medical providers had not wasted any valuable time, even when the need to transport them to another facility arose. In cases involving heart attacks, hospitals and other healthcare providers must carry out the necessary procedures within a short amount of time to ensure their survival.
How The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary Can Assist You
No second should be wasted when it comes to matters between life and death. Every person should have the right to urgent medical attention to save them from further harm and danger. At The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary, we believe that everyone deserves fair access to healthcare services, and systems must be accountable when their failures cause preventable harm. If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical malpractice from inefficiency in medical transportation, you can contact our team, and we can provide the legal help and compassion you need.