Houston, TX asked in Health Care Law and Medical Malpractice for Texas

Q: ER guy threw my insurance card back at me when I was rushed to the hospital. what can I do?

The other day, I was rushed to the ER due to intense pain. There I was asked to fill out the form to 'check in.' The pain intensified and I saw nothing being done. My friend rushed me to another nearby ER. I was asked to fill out the form again. The check in guy kept asking me questions, even redundant ones. He could see I was in no condition to answer. The pain kept intensifying. I got frustrated and answered him loudly. He threw my insurance card back at me, and called in security. I called 911 asking them for aid before I could not stand on my feet. I was then rushed into a room and had a bunch of people working on me. I can clearly see that they were forcing the answers out of me. This is the first time I need ER. This form filling and the obstruction are completely unimaginable to me. I just can't believe that is how ER operates in Texas. What can I do in this case?

1 Lawyer Answer
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
Answered
  • Medical Malpractice Lawyer
  • Wyomissing, PA

A: learn to give answers--they have to know your name, details, otherwise they get screwed. That doesn't mean they can't have an attitude, but you can't assume that they have to treat you first, ask questions later. They need a medical history. They can't start "treating pain" without background.

You have no case to sue them for that I can see. At best you can make a complaint to the hospital authorities & the JCAH.

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