Medical Malpractice and Orthopedic Injuries in the Emergency Room
Orthopedic injuries (breaks, fractures, etc) are painful and require attention so the bone heals properly. If you or loved one visited a Connecticut emergency department, and your orthopedic injury was either misdiagnosed or improperly treated, you may have a medical malpractice case if permanent injury occurred. However, because you had a serious orthopedic injury to begin with, these are very difficult medical malpractice cases to pursue.
At the Emergency Room
- When you arrive at the ER, you will first speak to a triage nurse who will assess your injury.
- Your doctor will take a medical history and conduct a physical exam.
- After you are seen by the ER doctor, he or she may order further testing: x-ray, MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, or more. One or a combination of these tests will help the treating physician either diagnose or rule out other injuries. If needed, your doctor may retake some images.
- If it is required, your doctor may splint or immobilize your injury.
- Upon discharge, the nurse will provide you with instructions for the care of your injury.
- If you are not happy with the diagnosis you have the right to ask for a second opinion.
After Discharge
1. Your discharge instructions should include a follow-up with an orthopedist. Make sure you schedule that follow-up visit.
If you suspect your orthopedic injury was misdiagnosed or your injury has not healed properly, call Robert Messey, MD/JD and Gayle Sullivan, RN/JD immediately. They will begin an immediate medical and legal investigation into your case.
