Is it malpractice? Here’s how to tell

You went to the hospital in poor shape. You had been in an accident, and you needed help right away. Instead of being treated immediately, you waited for hours.

Finally, after you saw people who came in after you get taken to the back, you asked when you’d be able to see a doctor. The registration desk attendant looked meek and told you it would only be a second. You were taken back moments later.

What happened? Why would you have to wait so long?

Upon asking the nurse who took you to your waiting room, she noted that the wait time was only around a half-hour today. She suggested that the injuries you had should have resulted in you getting in to see a doctor more quickly. Despite that, you waited much longer than everyone else, which could have been attributed to a problem with the intake paperwork.

This would have been okay in a normal situation, but since you weren’t seen right away, the injuries you suffered had worsened while you waited. You’d now have to stay overnight for treatment, and you may have permanent damage to your back and neck that might have been addressed hours ago successfully.

Is this medical malpractice?

Mixing up patient paperwork can lead to a medical malpractice claim. Everyone at the hospital, from doctors to registration attendants, need to make sure they are performing their jobs appropriately. By failing to provide the appropriate service to you, you can argue that the receptionist was negligent. It was a simple mistake, but it was one that may now result in a lifetime of pain or the need for therapy.

Anytime you’re injured as a result of someone’s error, you have a potential case. Your health is the most important thing, and failing to give you the care you need is a mistake.