If your condition isn't an emergency, you have the benefit of researching several different doctors and getting second opinions before choosing the best physician and the best treatment plan to address your condition. Unfortunately, this is not the case in an emergency. You must trust the emergency room personnel to know how to diagnose and treat your emergency in a quick, efficient manner in order to preserve your health and well-being.

Types of Emergency Room Errors

Because the emergency room is a fast-paced, high-stress environment, it is easy for emergency room errors to occur. Emergency room personnel often work long hours without significant breaks, which may impact their ability to think on their feet and provide you with the most appropriate care. Unsanitary conditions, understaffing, poor record-keeping procedures, or unethical intake and treatment policies can further render emergency room patients vulnerable to medical errors.