In most serious medical situations that require outside assistance, such as medical emergencies, paramedics are frequently going to be the first point of contact for an injured person. In such situations of high stress and urgency, there are also going to be higher chances of the actions of paramedics leading to cases of medical malpractice.
While paramedics are highly trained medical professionals, they are required to work quickly and make snap decisions in order to save people’s lives in dire medical emergencies. As a result, there can be a number of medical malpractice cases that result from emergency medical situations where paramedics are involved.
Examples of Paramedic Medical Malpractice
There are a number of examples of how paramedics may become the subject of medical malpractice lawsuits. For example, they may provide either the wrong diagnosis or the wrong medication to a patient or both. They may perform a procedure that is incorrect or perform the correct procedure in an incorrect manner.
Alternatively, they may be the subject of medical malpractice suits due to a failure to act appropriately, such as if they do not diagnose an obvious medical condition or if they do not see life threatening signs that later lead to death or severe injury. Paramedics may also become the subject of medical malpractice suits if they do not follow the standard emergency protocols they are expected to adhere to in a given situation.
One of the more common situations that may lead to medical malpractice by paramedics is when paramedics are charged with making an important decision in a short period of time. In such situations, both experienced and newly licensed paramedics may be prone to error and medical malpractice.
Such a job necessarily requires people who can make quick decisions and act upon them, but some of these decisions, when incorrect, can lead to the injury or death of the very person the paramedic was charged with saving.
Overworked paramedics are also more likely to commit acts of medical malpractice. When they become tired, their judgment can become impaired, as can their attention spans and levels of concentration. Performing the wrong procedure or not performing the right one in time becomes more likely in such situations.
Legal Assistance
Individuals who feel they or a loved one are the victims of malpractice or negligence on the part of emergency personnel or paramedics are encouraged to enlist the assistance of an experienced medical malpractice attorney. Attorneys specializing in this field of law can help clients determine if their claim is a valid one, as well as assist in properly filing important court documents and obtaining the evidence necessary to win a claim.