Imagine being discharged from the hospital, believing you are on the mend, only to face a sudden decline in your health. If this resonates with your experience, and you suspect negligence played a role in your premature discharge, you may have a legal pathway to justice and compensation.
Wrongful discharge can pose serious risks to patients
Wrongful discharge means the healthcare provider sent you home before it was medically safe. Claims on such scenarios may stem from:
- Premature discharge before the patient’s condition has stabilized
- Failure to provide necessary follow-up care instructions
- Discharging a patient without proper arrangements for ongoing care
- Inadequate assessment of the patient’s ability to care for themselves post-discharge
- Discharge to an unsafe environment
In Florida, as in many states, hospitals are legally obligated to provide appropriate care and ensure patients are ready for discharge. Patients may suffer complications, readmissions or even life-threatening situations when they fail to meet this standard.
Do not let a wrongful discharge compromise your health and well-being
Wrongful discharge falls under the broader category of medical malpractice. Such an event occurs when a healthcare provider’s negligence harms a patient.
If you believe your discharge was improper, you have the right to pursue this type of claim. Typically, you have a two-year time limit, starting from either the date of the incident or when you discovered the injury, to explore this legal option. Acting promptly is crucial to obtain the compensation for which you may be eligible.
This legal action, however, requires proving that the hospital’s actions deviated from the accepted standard of care and directly caused harm. You will also likely need to gather medical documentation, seek advice from medical specialists and submit an intent to sue. It is best to have a knowledgeable attorney to guide you during this difficult time.