Emergency room errors at Maryland's VA medical centers and military hospitals can have devastating consequences for veterans and service members seeking urgent care. The Institute of Medicine reports that emergency department diagnostic errors affect 12 million Americans yearly. Veterans face higher risks within complex federal healthcare systems. When medical professionals fail to properly diagnose, treat, or stabilize patients in emergency situations, the results can be life-threatening or permanently disabling.
Our founding attorney brings a unique perspective to Maryland VA emergency room errors cases as both a licensed attorney and medical doctor (MD/JD). This dual expertise allows us to understand both the legal complexities of Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) cases and the medical standards that should govern emergency care. With over $145 million recovered for clients and 25+ years of experience handling FTCA claims, we understand how emergency room negligence occurs and how to hold the federal government accountable.
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to emergency room errors at a Maryland VA or military facility, you have legal rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act. These claims are filed against the United States government—not individual doctors—and require specialized knowledge of federal law and medical standards.
What Causes Emergency Room Errors at Maryland Military & VA Hospitals?
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Failure to Properly Triage Patients: Emergency room staff who incorrectly assess patient severity may treat life-threatening emergencies as routine cases, causing dangerous care delays. Triage errors often occur during busy periods when staff are overwhelmed or lack adequate training in emergency assessment protocols. Veterans with complex medical histories may be particularly vulnerable when triage nurses fail to recognize subtle signs of serious conditions. The consequences can include cardiac events, strokes, or sepsis that progress while patients wait for appropriate care.
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Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: Emergency room physicians who fail to order appropriate tests, misinterpret symptoms, or overlook critical signs can miss heart attacks, strokes, sepsis, and other time-sensitive conditions. Rushed evaluations, poor review of patient history, and protocol violations commonly cause these diagnostic failures. Emergency physicians unfamiliar with service-related conditions or medication interactions may create additional risks for veterans. Time-sensitive conditions like acute coronary syndrome or stroke require immediate recognition and treatment to prevent permanent disability or death.
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Medication Errors: Administering the wrong medication, incorrect dosages, or failing to check for drug interactions can cause severe adverse reactions, organ damage, or death in emergency situations. These errors frequently occur when staff fail to verify patient allergies, don't review current medications, or misread prescription orders under pressure. Veterans with service-connected disabilities who take multiple medications face heightened risks if emergency staff don't properly assess potential interactions. Even minor medication errors can have catastrophic consequences in emergency settings where patients may already be medically unstable.
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Inadequate Monitoring: Failing to properly monitor vital signs, pain levels, or changes in patient condition can allow medical emergencies to worsen while patients wait for treatment. Staffing shortages often prevent emergency departments from properly monitoring patients during their stay. Critical changes in blood pressure, heart rhythm, or neurological status may go unnoticed without proper surveillance protocols. Veterans with complex medical conditions require especially vigilant monitoring, as their conditions can deteriorate rapidly without appropriate oversight and intervention.
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Communication Breakdowns: Poor communication between emergency room staff, failure to review medical records, or inadequate handoff procedures can result in missed diagnoses and treatment delays. These breakdowns often occur during shift changes when critical patient information isn't properly transferred between medical teams. Electronic health record systems may not be properly utilized, leading to incomplete understanding of patient history and current treatments. Clear communication is essential in emergency settings where multiple providers must coordinate care quickly and effectively.
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Premature Discharge: Prematurely discharging patients before stabilizing or diagnosing their condition can lead to serious complications, readmissions, or death. Discharge errors often result from pressure to clear emergency department beds or inadequate evaluation of patient stability. Veterans may be discharged without proper follow-up arrangements or clear instructions for managing their conditions at home. Premature discharge can be particularly dangerous when patients haven't been adequately observed for potential complications or when their symptoms haven't been fully investigated.
Maryland Facilities Where We Handle Emergency Room Errors Cases
We represent veterans and military families who suffered emergency room errors at major Maryland federal medical facilities. Our experience includes cases at facilities throughout the state where emergency care negligence has occurred.
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda: As one of the military's premier medical facilities, the high volume of emergency cases can sometimes lead to overcrowding and rushed diagnoses. This facility serves active duty personnel, veterans, and military families, creating complex patient populations with diverse medical needs. The emergency department handles both routine injuries and complex trauma cases, requiring staff to quickly d