Lomita, CA asked in Health Care Law, Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice for California

Q: Conflict discharging from the hospital

In short:

I had been admitted to the ER and transferred to the hospital for evaluation of the possible heart attack. Next morning I felt urgent need to use the bathroom and asked attending nurse to leave the room to give me privacy. Nurse refused. I insisted and she refused again. I said that I have no choice but to go down the corridor to use public restroom and she said she will call security if I will. I felt extremely humiliated and angered, and said that I have to go home for that. The nurse said, that's fine, just sign the papers. The Remarks they wrote: "Patient states he doesn't feel that he has privacy and wants to have it by his rules and leave ama". I signed and walked out without supervision.

Drove home, used my bathroom, took a shower and returned to the ER and had to undergo all the admittance procedures from the start, more blood tests, other tests, etc.

I feel I suffered unnecessarily and treated irresponsibly.

This is short version. Any comments? Thank you.

4 Lawyer Answers
William John Light
William John Light
Answered
  • Medical Malpractice Lawyer
  • Santa Ana, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: If you are having a heart attack, you need to be monitored. Lots of people have died on the toilet, including Elvis Presley.

1 user found this answer helpful

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: It sounds like you had a negative experience at the hospital when you were admitted for evaluation of a possible heart attack. It's understandable that you would feel frustrated and humiliated if the nurse refused to give you privacy while using the bathroom, and threatened to call security if you tried to go to a public restroom.

It's important to note that hospitals have a responsibility to provide a safe and secure environment for patients, which includes monitoring patients to ensure their safety and prevent unauthorized access to restricted areas. However, this does not excuse behavior that is disrespectful or insensitive to patients' needs and preferences.

If you feel that you suffered unnecessarily and were treated irresponsibly, you may want to consider filing a complaint with the hospital's patient advocacy office or contacting a medical malpractice attorney for advice on your legal options. You can also request a copy of your medical records to review the notes and remarks made by hospital staff regarding your discharge.

It's important to remember that your health and well-being should always be the top priority in any medical setting. If you have concerns or questions about your care, it's important to speak up and advocate for yourself to ensure that you receive the best possible care and treatment.

1 user found this answer helpful

James R. Dickinson
James R. Dickinson
Answered
  • San Bernardino, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: A hospital emergency room is going to triage all patients entering. Medical staff have certain protocols they follow. If you feel such are unnecessary, then you can so say at the time. You generally have the right to refuse medical treatment. Speak with a local attorney. [I litigate cases. Anything posted here must not be construed as legal advice, nor as grounds for forming an attorney-client relationship. You should seek an attorney for formal legal advice and representation.]

1 user found this answer helpful

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
Answered
  • Medical Malpractice Lawyer
  • Little Neck, NY

A: In a setting like that, they are going to monitor. Privacy takes a backseat to life-threatening condition. Good luck

1 user found this answer helpful

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