Few patients want to spend any time, much less an extended amount of time, in a Texas hospital. Of course, most patients want to receive the proper care and only leave the facility when doing so is safe. Patients and their families commonly follow the doctor’s recommendation for discharge procedures. What happens when the hospital discharges someone too early? Sadly, the prematurely discharged patient could suffer from the hospital’s decision.
Early discharges and medical malpractice
Hospital patients might not know the government could penalize a hospital that readmits a patient too quickly. That rule helps decrease the chances a hospital will release someone too early. Regardless, early discharge incidents occur.
Sometimes, the patient might seem “fine,” but his or her home is not equipped for newly acquired special needs and considerations. Discharging the patient before a home proves acceptable for the person’s condition could be negligence.
Yes, hospitals might need to free up bed space for new patients. Even so, releasing a patient too early could result in complications and other problems. Rehabilitation facilities might be a reliable location the hospital may send a recovering patient. Patients and their family members could discuss rehab stays with the physicians and hospital staff.
Medical malpractice and early discharge
When a hospital makes a mistake, such as discharging someone who should remain under care, the facility might face a credible medical malpractice claim. Perhaps the physicians did not diagnose a problem or misdiagnosed a condition, leading to an early discharge. These troubling actions might also lead to a medical malpractice claim.
Persons seeking compensation could file a medical malpractice insurance claim. Filing a lawsuit may be another option and, possibly, an unavoidable one.
