On behalf of Hastings Law Firm posted in Hospital Negligence on Thursday, July 17, 2014.

A slow-to-act emergency room with long wait times may not be an uncommon tale to some in the United States. Sadly, one man claims that it was more than a story for his late-wife, who was forced to wait rather than receiving critical medical care. Her family — who live in a state bordering Texas — have since filed a medical malpractice claim for alleged hospital negligence.

The woman was taken to the emergency room by her husband and another family member in what they report was agonizing pain. They claim that they told the hospital staff that she was having serious chest pain, but instead of being treated, they were told to wait. Apparently, she was even given an over-the-counter pain medication and informed that she wasn’t suffering a heart attack at all.

As her condition began to deteriorate, she was allegedly denied a bed again, and instead she opted to wait in the car, where she could lie down. Despite pleading from her family members, she was denied care until she began to vomit both bile and blood. When she was finally taken back for care, it became clear that she would need surgery. The hospital later transferred her to a different facility, but she ultimately died.

For those suffering a serious health care crisis, the emergency room is often the first step in receiving medical treatment. However, when treatment is delayed due to possible hospital negligence, Texas patients may seriously suffer or, as in this instance, even die. Her husband alongside the other family member have both filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the hospital, claiming that the hospital neglected to provide the necessary and correct treatment that, had it been administered in a timely manner, would have prevented the need for surgery all together and possibly saved her life. They are seeking compensation for both her wrongful death as well as anxiety and mental distress. If successful, financial compensation can be applied to any costs that were incurred from their loved one’s death, including medical bills and funeral costs.

Source: louisianarecord.com, “Ochsner Hospital sued for allegedly not treating heart attack victim who later died”, Kyle Barnett, July 10, 2014