Is it too late? Part 2

[amt1984]

In July of 1996 my father became ill with a serious lung infection. We took him to our local county hospital where he stayed for 2-3 months. We were told that he would have to be placed in a long-term hospital facility, because the insurance company would no longer pay for the hospital. We found a long-term facility and he was transported there. The hospital(using the term loosely) gave us a bad feeling immediately. None of the doctors that were treating him at the county hospital were able to see him after he was moved, and new doctors were brought in. During his 2 month stay here, he was given the wrong medication several times and we were not allowed to see him on several occasions. He was placed in ICU in early December 1996, shortly thereafter, he was placed in a regular room and all the doctors, nurses, ICU team, etc said he was doing very well, then on Dec. 22 he passed away. Is it too late for us to look into this? This hospital had been investigated and I think sued previously for other incidents, plus another patient was planning to sue during the time we were there for many of the same reasons. We live in Georgia and the hospital is in Atlanta.

 

[PamSJS]

Dear AMT;

Unfortunately, the statute of limitations has expired (2 years) and there is no possibility of legal action now. I would suggest that you contact the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Office of Regulatory Services in Atlanta and file a complaint if you feel your father was not given appropriate treatment. They will investigate the hospital or long term care facility and, if your father received sub-standard care, they will cite them for deficiencies. It will also become a permanent public record.

Sorry I can't give you better news.

Pam