Hospitals and medical facilities have a responsibility to ensure patients are stable and prepared to go home before discharging them. When healthcare provider negligence leads to premature discharge, patients can suffer injuries. Those harmed have a right to justice.
Freidin Brown, P.A. has fought for clients across Florida for almost 50 years. Our West Palm Beach medical malpractice lawyers know how to investigate and prove medical errors and support injured parties every step of the way. We will pursue the maximum compensation possible for you or your hurt loved one so you have the money you need to get back on your feet. Contact us online or call 24/7 for a free case evaluation.
Premature Discharge Can Be a Form of Medical Malpractice
Emergency rooms and hospitals have a duty to treat patients until they are stable. Doctors and nurses also have a responsibility to ensure patients know how to continue their care after they leave a medical facility. Unsafe or premature discharge is medical malpractice when providers fail to adhere to these standards of care, resulting in injuries and financial damages for the patient.
Here are some scenarios that can indicate your discharge was too early and a form of medical malpractice:
- Your medical condition was not stable at the time of your release
- Doctors discharged you without a diagnosis
- The facility sent you home before completing laboratory or diagnostic testing
- You did not receive discharge or follow-up care instructions, medication information, a treatment plan, necessary referrals, or follow-up appointments
- You did not feel ready to go home or able to care for yourself after leaving
- You were readmitted to an emergency department or hospital within 30 days of your initial discharge
Why Does Premature Patient Discharge Occur?
Emergency rooms and hospitals are often overcrowded and understaffed. Healthcare providers must make choices when it comes to bed space, and there is a lot of room for error in the process. Doctors may feel pressure to move patients through quickly to free up beds and save money, especially if they believe your or your insurance company will not pay for treatment.
Premature discharge injuries can also happen when nurses and doctors are not attentive. They may fail to go through steps in the discharge procedure, neglect to inform the patient about necessary aftercare, or not recognize a patient’s need for in-home health services or transfer to a rehabilitation facility.
Additionally, premature discharge can occur when providers fail to accurately read test results or diagnose a condition. When this happens, they may send a patient home thinking they are better when they are not.
Freidin Brown, P.A. Fights for Victims of Medical Negligence in West Palm Beach
If you or someone you love suffered harm due to a premature patient discharge, Freidin Brown, P.A. can put over 100 years of combined personal injury and medical malpractice case experience to work for you. Our small firm advantage means we can give you and your legal issue the personalized attention and service you deserve.
Our West Palm Beach premature discharge lawyers have the knowledge and legal skills to build a solid case. We are more than qualified to negotiate your medical malpractice settlement and will aggressively pursue maximum compensation.
Client testimonials like the following evidence our commitment to seeking justice:
“My experience was exceptional… We had interviewed various attorneys before coming to see Freidin Brown, and the majority of attorneys did not want to accept my case because it was very difficult. Phil and Jonathan [Freidin] stepped up to the challenge… They really accepted us as family members into their law firm. So we were very, very pleased with the outcome. And we recommend them fully, 100 percent.” -Former Client
Our Medical Malpractice Case Experience
Before we go to court, we will do everything possible to reach an advantageous agreement with the hospital or insurance company. However, if we must take legal action, you can rest assured knowing your case is backed by trial-tested attorneys.
Philip Freidin is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney by the Florida Bar. He has conducted over 300 trials before a jury and has achieved significant compensation for victims of negligence and medical error. Our firm has helped injury victims receive over $500 million in damages.
One of our notable medical malpractice case results includes a $4.625 million jury trial judgment for the family of a premature infant born with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The child tragically went blind after a hospital prematurely discharged the baby without properly educating the parents on the condition and necessary care. Doctors also failed to ensure the family had a follow-up appointment scheduled with an ophthalmologist.
If you or someone you loved suffered harm due to premature discharge, contact us online or call today. We can connect you with our premature discharge lawyer serving West Palm Beach, FL. We offer free case evaluations.
Compensation for a Premature Discharge Injury from a West Palm Beach Hospital
Premature patient discharge can lead to significant medical expenses and other losses related to negligent treatment. Our malpractice attorneys can pursue compensation for the following:
- Medical costs, including hospital bills, doctor’s fees, medications, medical equipment, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and nursing services
- Lost income and employment benefits, including current and future wages and reductions to your earning capacity
- Household services, including assistance with cleaning, cooking, childcare, transportation, and home maintenance
- Physical pain, including chronic pain, scarring, disfigurement, and permanent injury
- Mental and emotional suffering, including depression, anxiety, insomnia, stress, loss of enjoyment, and diminished quality of life
- Wrongful death of a loved one – including the loss of your family member’s support, services, income, and intangible benefits, medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, and survivors’ mental pain and suffering
Proving Premature Discharge Harmed Your or Your Loved One
Proving medical negligence can be difficult, and Florida has complex medical malpractice laws and procedures. You cannot trust this type of lawsuit to any attorney. You need a legal advocate who knows how to navigate malpractice claims and establish your right to compensation.
Our West Palm Beach premature discharge lawyers can:
- Thoroughly explain Florida medical malpractice laws and answer questions you have about taking legal action
- Investigate your premature discharge and gather evidence proving negligence, including medical records and eyewitness statements
- Hire and consult with doctors, nurses, and medical professionals who can provide expert opinions and testify on your behalf when necessary
- Identify and pursue all of your losses, including economic and noneconomic damages
- Prepare and file paperwork, communicate with insurance agents and opposing counsel, track deadlines, and handle any other “red tape”
- Negotiate with insurance companies and hospitals on your behalf
- Take your case to civil court and represent you at trial when needed
And Together We WILL WINWe Care
Frequently Asked Questions About Premature Discharge from Hospitals
How Long Do You Have to Sue for Premature Hospital Discharge?
Before filing a lawsuit, we will try to resolve your case with a medical malpractice insurance claim. Negotiations are not always successful, and we are prepared to take your issue to trial.
In general, we must file your malpractice suit within two years of the date you first knew or should have known of the medical negligence, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11. However, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice can vary based on the circumstances of the case. We can tell you more about deadlines and other state requirements that can affect your case timeline, like the submission requirements for the notice of the intent to sue.
How Much Is a Premature Discharge Case Worth?
The potential value of a premature discharge claim will depend on factors unique to each case. Some variables that can affect recoverable compensation include:
- The age of the victim at the time of injury
- The severity of the injuries and whether the victim will fully recover or face permanent disability
- The victim’s current average weekly income
- How long the victim’s injuries prevent them from working, and whether they can return to their job
- The effects of the injury on the victim’s physical, mental, and emotional health and overall quality of life
- The strength of the case and its supporting evidence
- Insurance policies and policy limits
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer for My Premature Discharge Claim?
Many personal injury lawyers, including those at our firm, serve clients on contingency. Therefore, hiring our medical malpractice lawyers will cost you nothing upfront or out of pocket. You do not pay unless and until we obtain compensation for you.
Contact Freidin Brown, P.A. About Your Premature Patient Discharge Injury
A medical malpractice injury does not have to cause you economic hardship or jeopardize your financial stability. A West Palm Beach premature discharge attorney with Freidin Brown, P.A. can fight to make negligent parties pay. We will work tirelessly to construct your case and secure justice for you or your loved one.
Our Florida law firm has proven results, and our team has the experience you need. Complete our online request form or call 24/7 for a free and confidential case evaluation. We serve clients across the state and charge no upfront costs or fees. Connect with a lawyer near you today.