Hospitals and other medical facilities have a duty not to release a patient before it is safe to do so. Letting a patient leave before it’s medically safe can lead to irreversible harm and even death. That’s why it’s so important that medical staff make sure it’s safe for patients to return home with the proper medications and a follow-up care plan in place.
Symptoms of Premature Hospital Discharge
- Sudden return or worsening of symptoms
- Confusion about medications or care instructions
- Fever, pain, shortness of breath, or weakness
- Falls, dehydration, or wound problems
- Emergency room return within days of discharge
What causes a patient to be discharged too soon?
While we trust doctors to know when it’s safe for a patient to return home, several factors can lead to early discharge. Oftentimes, staff do a poor job of communicating the discharge plan to the family, or the plan is incomplete.
Staff may not double-check to make sure newly prescribed medications are safe to take with medications the patient is currently taking. In some cases, hospitals may face additional pressure to open beds to maximize profits.
Serious injuries that can be caused by discharging a patient too soon
Patients discharged too soon may return to the hospital with new health concerns. Infections and blood clots may form when they could have been prevented with proper medical care. Medication errors can occur, which may include overdoses of the medication.
Breathing and heart problems can develop quickly, requiring the patient to be hospitalized again. In some cases, patients return home too soon and experience a fall that can cause a fracture or permanent head injury.
Patients deserve to know that their doctor will only send them home when it’s safe. Failing to ensure a patient is ready to go home is a preventable error with serious consequences.
Weisser Law is a deeply experienced medical malpractice law firm that is committed to listening, answering your questions, and standing up for patients who were sent home too soon. We always offer a free, in-depth consultation to review the facts of your case and provide a realistic understanding of your options.
Contact Weisser Law today at (561) 880-0100 to schedule an appointment with our trusted, local legal team.