A medical error happens when a doctor or other health care professional fails to properly treat a patient, and this improper treatment causes the patient to suffer a new injury.

Over the years, medical research and development have produced many breakthroughs in lifesaving techniques, equipment and training for highly skilled healthcare providers. With all the advances in the field of medicine, hospitals and emergency rooms should be running at optimal efficiency.

But according to a recent study conducted by researchers at the Harvard Medical Institute, the amount of time spent in the emergency room has grown by an astonishing rate. On average, half of all emergency room patients waited 30 minutes or more to be examined by a doctor in 2004, a significant increase from a wait time of 22 minutes in 1997. Even more shocking, the wait time for serious emergencies has also increased. In 1997, the average wait time for a patient suffering from a heart attack was eight minutes; in 2006 the average time was at 22 minutes, and patients with other serious maladies were forced to wait around 15 minutes.

When heart attacks occur, every second is precious. The faster a patient receives lifesaving treatment, the better the chances are that he or she can avoid permanent physical damage. When treatment is delayed, the risk of permanent injury or death rises dramatically. On top of the pain and suffering a patient and their family may experience, living with a serious condition such as a heart condition is costly due to surgery, loss of wages, lifestyle changes, medicine, and installation and upkeep of medical devices.

If you have been forced to wait in a Pennsylvania emergency room for an undue amount of time and have suffered from ill effects, please contact us immediately. The attorneys of Munley, Munley & Cartwright, are experienced with Pennsylvania medical laws and have the expertise to help you prove your case. We understand that financial compensation cannot undo a wrong, but it can help your family cope with mounting medical bills, loss of income, and any future medical needs.

If you, or someone you love, have suffered from negligence in a Pennsylvania emergency room, contact Munley, Munley & Cartwright for a free claim evaluation. 1(800)346-7401