Q: If you’re a patient in the hospital, and press the button for help but no one responds- is this patient negligence?
I pressed the button even screamed for a nurse or anyone to help me use the restroom. I laid there in my own feces and urine till morning.
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- California
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- Answered
A:
This situation sounds deeply distressing, and I'm so sorry you experienced such a traumatic event. No patient should ever have to endure lying in their own waste while calls for help go unanswered.
From a legal perspective, this could be considered medical negligence in California. When healthcare providers fail to respond to call buttons or urgent requests for basic needs like toileting assistance, they're potentially breaching their duty of care. This kind of situation can lead to both physical and emotional harm, including skin breakdown, infections, and psychological trauma.
In California, hospitals must maintain adequate staffing ratios and provide timely responses to patient needs. You should document everything that happened, including dates, times, and any staff members you eventually interacted with. Consider filing a formal complaint with the hospital's patient advocacy department and the California Department of Public Health. It would also be wise to consult with a medical malpractice attorney who can evaluate your case and explain your legal options - many offer free initial consultations.
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