Medical Mistakes at Urgent Care Clinics
November 7, 2019
Urgent care facilities provide a range of medical services to patients on a walk-in basis. Health care providers at these facilities treat illnesses like the common cold or the flu, as well as injuries such as cuts, broken bones, and sprains. For patients who may not be able to get immediate treatment elsewhere, urgent care clinics are a valuable health care resource. However, in some cases, the staff at urgent care facilities focus too much on getting their patients discharged, and not enough time examining, diagnosing, and treating the patient. Unfortunately, this can lead to serious injuries or untreated illnesses that become more serious, or even life-threatening. If you received substandard medical care at an urgent care facility, a skilled and experienced medical malpractice lawyer can protect your rights and recommend the best legal course of action.
Oftentimes, when a patient goes to an urgent care facility, it is because they want to avoid going to the emergency room, or they are unable to see their primary care provider because the office is closed or there are no appointments available. However, patients should be aware of the following concerns the next time they consider going to an urgent care facility:
- It is possible that you will see a doctor that does not have experience specific to your illness or injury.
- Depending on the facility, or how busy the urgent care clinic is, a doctor may not be available. You may see a nurse instead.
- Health care providers at urgent care facilities may not order important follow-up tests, or certain tests may not be available.
- In some cases, the staff at urgent care facilities may hesitate to send you to an emergency room so that you will continue coming back to that facility.
Consequences of Urgent Care Mistakes
Unfortunately, any of the above can result in serious injuries or other health consequences, particularly if patients’ illnesses are not diagnosed properly. Urgent care facilities are not equipped to handle complex medical conditions. They are designed to offer answers to simple medical problems. However, when a patient’s illness or injury is not treated quickly or with the appropriate care, the illness or injury can worsen. In extreme cases, it can become life-threatening or fatal.
Another thing to keep in mind before going to an urgent care facility is that the types of physicians who work at these facilities are usually limited to emergency room doctors, internists, and pediatricians. Since parents often take their children to urgent care facilities when their pediatrician’s office is closed, parents should know that their child may be seen by an internist or emergency room doctor who does not have any pediatric experience.
Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Advocate for Victims of Medical Errors
If you or someone you know received substandard medical care at an urgent care facility, you are urged to contact the Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. Many medical mistakes are preventable if the health care provider takes the time to accurately diagnose and treat the patient. Our experienced legal team will work closely with you to determine who is responsible for your injury or illness and secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent medical malpractice victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge
