Yes. An emergency room is obligated to treat everyone. Under federal law, most hospital emergency rooms are required to provide medical screening and stabilizing treatment to anyone presenting with an emergency medical condition, regardless of their ability to pay. This duty comes from the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), a law designed to stop patient dumping and ensure urgent care isn’t denied.
While most hospitals follow these rules strictly, violations still happen. If you were refused treatment or discharged without being assessed as stable enough to leave, Marzella & Associates can help. Our medical malpractice lawyers in Harrisburg, PA, can ensure you understand your legal rights and hold the hospital accountable if they fail to uphold your rights.
Understanding The EMTALA and Harrisburg Emergency Room Obligations
EMTALA applies to any hospital that accepts Medicare funds, which is nearly every emergency department in the state. It requires two main things:
- A medical screening exam to determine if you have an emergency medical condition.
- Stabilizing treatment if the condition is confirmed, or a medically appropriate transfer if the hospital cannot provide the needed care.
The screening cannot be delayed for checking insurance status or payment ability. The state’s own hospital regulations reinforce these federal rules to provide stronger protections for patients. On the other hand, these protections are only as adequate as the hospital staff and policies in place.
The Consequences of Being Refused Emergency Care
A refusal to treat can take many forms. These can include being turned away at the desk, told to wait despite obvious distress, discharged while unstable, or transferred without proper medical safeguards. When ER personnel ignore, delay, or refuse care due to an emergency condition, the results can be tragic.
For instance, a missed heart attack may lead to irreversible heart damage or sudden death. Delayed treatment for a stroke can mean permanent paralysis or loss of speech. Likewise, untreated infections can spiral into sepsis, a life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate. In addition to the injury, many patients typically face more extended hospital stays, higher medical costs, and a reduced chance of recovery. Families are left dealing with emotional trauma, financial hardship, and sometimes the loss of a loved one.
Benefits of Hiring Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers
If you were denied emergency treatment in Harrisburg, your attorney can investigate whether the hospital violated EMTALA, state regulations, or both. This involves reviewing medical records, witness accounts, and hospital protocols to build a clear picture of what happened. They’ll also work with medical professionals who can explain how the refusal or delay harmed you.
In some cases, these claims involve not only the hospital but also individual staff members or administrators. Legal action can help recover compensation for all your medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. Just as importantly, it can push hospitals to improve policies, so the same mistakes don’t happen to others again.
Get In Touch with Our Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Harrisburg
If you believe you or someone you love was turned away or discharged from an ER without appropriate care, contact Marzella & Associates right away. Arrange your free consultation at 717-876-8681 or online. Our Harrisburg medical malpractice lawyers have helped clients who were denied the care they deserved, and we’re ready to do the same for you.