Denver Emergency Room Error Attorneys
Are You in Need of a Denver Emergency Room Error Attorney?
When you walk into an emergency department, you trust that the physicians and staff will respond quickly, recognize the signs of critical conditions, and initiate appropriate treatment. Unfortunately, emergency room errors happen all too often, and when they do, the results can be catastrophic.
At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we represent individuals and families who have suffered life-altering harm due to substandard care in hospital emergency rooms. If you believe an emergency room mistake caused serious injury or death to a loved one, our Colorado medical malpractice lawyers are here to listen to your story and determine if you have a viable case.
Why Choose Us Over Other Emergency Room Error Lawyers in Denver?
We are a nationally recognized medical malpractice law firm headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Over 40 years of legal excellence in medical malpractice litigation
- Listed by Best Lawyers based on peer recognition
- Attorneys licensed in multiple states, handling complex cases across the country
- Jim Leventhal is a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, the top 100 trial lawyers in the U.S.
- Jim Puga, Ned Deakins, and Molly Greenblatt secured a $67.35 million dollar verdict on behalf of a minor child who was severely injured after cardiac surgery resulted in permanent brain injury.
- Multiple attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers based on peer reviews and independent research
- AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell based on legal ability and high ethical standards
Misdiagnosed in the ER?
Our Denver emergency room error attorneys can help you determine the next steps to take. Call (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906 to find out more today.
Do You Have a Legitimate Emergency Room Error Case?
In Colorado, pursuing a medical malpractice claim for an emergency room error requires showing that:
- A healthcare provider breached the standard of care, meaning they failed to act as a reasonably competent provider would under similar circumstances.
- There is a clear connection and proof that the breach caused your injuries.
- You suffered measurable damages as a result of those injuries.
We work with medical experts and conduct a thorough investigation to determine whether these three critical elements are present in your case.
What Is an Emergency Room Error?
An emergency room error is a type of medical malpractice that occurs when a hospital, doctor, or healthcare staff member makes a preventable mistake during the evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment of a patient in the emergency department. These errors may involve:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Incorrect triage of patient priority
- Medication errors
- Discharging a patient too early
- Failing to order appropriate tests
- Surgical delays in trauma cases
What’s the Legal Process for an Emergency Room Error Case?
Here’s what you can expect when you pursue a claim with Leventhal Puga Braley P.C.
Initial Consultation
We begin with a no-charge consultation. If we believe you may have a valid claim, we conduct an in-depth investigation.
Expert Review
We retain respected, board-certified medical experts to evaluate whether the emergency room staff breached the standard of care.
Filing the Complaint
If a breach is confirmed, we file a formal complaint and serve the defendants.
Discovery Phase
We collect records, depose witnesses, and demand accountability from the hospital’s legal team.
Negotiation or Trial
We negotiate with the hospital seeking a fair settlement. We are always prepared to take your case to trial if the other side refuses to make a reasonable settlement offer.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Colorado?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for a medical malpractice case is generally two years from the date you knew or should have known about the injury.
It is vital to speak with a qualified attorney right away to preserve your right to file a lawsuit. Once the statute expires, your claim may be permanently barred—even if it is otherwise valid.
How an Experienced Emergency Room Error Lawyer Can Help
Emergency room error cases are not simple personal injury claims. A successful claim or lawsuit requires:
- Medical expert testimony to establish breach of standard of care
- Demonstrating causation, meaning the breach led to the injuries
- Proving damages, both financial and non-financial
- Navigating state-specific filing procedures, including affidavits of merit and court deadlines
Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. has spent decades litigating complex medical malpractice cases. We do not shy away from hospitals with powerful defense teams or national reputations. When our clients suffer harm, we fight for justice.
What Types of Damages Are Available?
If your case is successful, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future, including in-home care if required)
- Loss of income and diminished earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages, if a loved one died due to ER negligence
Punitive damages may be awarded in cases involving egregious conduct.
Who Can Be Liable?
One of the most complicated aspects of emergency room cases is determining who is legally responsible. Depending on the facts, the following parties may be named as defendants:
- The attending emergency room physician
- Nurses or physician assistants who failed to act appropriately
- The hospital, especially if policies contributed to the error
- Radiologists or specialists who misread scans or delayed treatment
- Lab personnel who reported inaccurate results
- Pharmacists who misfilled medications or dosage instructions
We Know How to Pursue Full Accountability
We take the time to understand what happened, gather the facts, and explain your rights in plain language. Call (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906 for a no-cost consultation.
Illnesses That Are Frequently Misdiagnosed by Emergency Room Staff
Many ER malpractice cases involve a failure to recognize life-threatening conditions. Some of the most commonly misdiagnosed or overlooked illnesses include:
- Stroke – especially in young or non-traditional patients
- Heart attack – sometimes mistaken for indigestion or anxiety
- Sepsis – a deadly infection that requires immediate antibiotics
- Pulmonary embolism – a blood clot in the lungs
- Meningitis – can be fatal if not treated quickly
- Aneurysm – especially when symptoms mimic migraines
Emergency room staff are trained to spot these signs, and when they don’t, the delay can result in irreversible harm.
Medical Consequences of Emergency Room Misdiagnoses
When an emergency room misdiagnoses a condition, the consequences can be devastating:
- Delayed treatment may lead to progression of the disease
- Unnecessary surgeries may be performed based on incorrect assumptions
- Failure to treat internal bleeding or infection can lead to death
- Loss of brain function due to untreated stroke or oxygen deprivation
- Amputations when infections are not caught in time
- Permanent disability due to untreated cardiac or neurological events
Patients and families are often left devastated, dealing with lifelong challenges—financial, emotional, and physical.
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What Clients Are Saying About Us
I can't recommend them enough- Eugenia Brady (5-Star Google Review)
Words cannot express my gratitude to Jim Leventhal and his great professional team for representing me in a case that was extremely hard for me personally and emotionally. Their understanding, compassion, and professionalism make a perfect mix to deal with cases that are attached to trauma. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much again for representing me for one of the hardest things I had to face in my life and making sure that every outcome will be in the best interest of me and my family! I can't recommend them enough. God bless you!
Jim Leventhal and his team are wonderful - Jonathan Heller (5-Star Google Review)
Jim Leventhal and his team are wonderful and thorough with all that they do. They leave no stone unturned while taking the time to be considerate, compassionate, and thoughtful. They wield the sword within their field with excellence and with a demeanor that you not only appreciate but that you can rely on. Special thanks again to Jim, Julia, and the entire team.
Case Result
$8.2 Million
Brain Injury
A 35-year-old Kentucky woman received an $8.3 million verdict after Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. attorneys successfully argued her medical malpractice case. Misdiagnosed with a migraine at St. Elizabeth Hospital despite evidence of a brain bleed, she later suffered paralysis due to an undetected aneurysm. The lawsuit against the ER doctor and radiologist concluded after seven years, ensuring compensation for her severe injuries and impact on her life.
Speak With a Trusted Denver Emergency Room Error Attorney
You don’t have to face the legal system alone. When a hospital emergency department fails to meet its obligation and someone suffers catastrophic injury as a result, you deserve a firm with experience, resources, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Call our Denver office at (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906 to learn more today. There is no charge for an initial consultation, and you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.
Emergency Room Error FAQs
What qualifies as an emergency room error?
An emergency room error occurs when a hospital or medical professional fails to provide care that meets the accepted standard, leading to injury or harm. This may include misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, medication mistakes, improper discharge, or failure to run necessary tests.
Can I sue a hospital for an emergency room mistake?
Yes, you may be able to bring a medical malpractice claim if the hospital or its staff breached the standard of care, that breach caused your injuries, and you suffered measurable damages as a result.
How do I prove an emergency room error occurred?
You’ll need medical experts to testify that the care you received fell below accepted standards, that the breach caused your injuries, and that you suffered damages as a result. Our legal team handles all aspects of investigation and expert coordination.
What if the ER sent me home too soon and my condition got worse?
Premature discharge is a common form of emergency room negligence. If it resulted in serious harm, you may have a case. These claims often hinge on whether warning signs were overlooked or ignored.
Who can be held responsible for an emergency room error?
Depending on the case, liable parties may include emergency physicians, nurses, radiologists, lab technicians, and even the hospital itself if it failed in staffing, training, or protocols.
How long do I have to file a medical malpractice claim in Colorado?
Generally, you have two years from the date you discovered or should have discovered the injury. Some exceptions may extend this to three years, but it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your rights.
What types of compensation are available in ER malpractice cases?
You may be able to recover damages for medical costs, loss of income, pain and suffering, permanent disability, emotional distress, and long-term in-home care if needed.
Do I need a lawyer for an emergency room error case?
Absolutely. These cases are complex and require experienced legal counsel who can build a strong case with expert testimony and deep medical knowledge. Our firm prepares every case for trial from day one.
Will my case go to trial?
Many cases settle, but we approach each case with the expectation that it may go before a jury. That trial-readiness gives us stronger leverage during negotiation—and makes a real difference if a trial becomes necessary.
What does it cost to hire Leventhal Puga Braley P.C.?
There is no charge for initial consultations, and we handle emergency room error cases on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay us unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Meet Our Denver Emergency Room Error Attorneys
Jim Leventhal
Jim Leventhal is the founding partner of Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. and one of the most respected trial attorneys in the United States. With a legal career spanning over four decades, Jim has built a national reputation for his work in complex medical malpractice and catastrophic injury cases. His unwavering dedication to client advocacy, combined with a commanding presence in the courtroom, has led to some of the largest jury verdicts in Colorado history.
Jim is a proud member of The Inner Circle of Advocates, an exclusive group of the top 100 trial lawyers in the country. He is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has been recognized among the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Colorado. Known for his thorough trial preparation and mastery of medical and legal issues, Jim has successfully handled hundreds of birth injury and medical negligence cases across the country.
Jim Puga
Jim Puga is a trial attorney and a leading voice in the field of birth injury and medical malpractice litigation. As a partner at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., Jim brings over two decades of courtroom experience and has built a reputation for holding hospitals, doctors, and healthcare systems accountable for life-altering mistakes. He is known for his relentless advocacy and strategic precision in the courtroom, helping clients secure justice after catastrophic medical harm.
Jim currently serves as the Chair of Birth Trauma for the American Association for Justice, reflecting his deep knowledge and leadership in one of the most complex areas of medical law. His work has resulted in numerous record-setting verdicts and settlements, including one of the largest medical malpractice jury verdicts in Colorado history, exceeding $17.8 million. He has been consistently honored by Super Lawyers and is recognized among the best medical malpractice lawyers in the country.
Bruce Braley
Bruce Braley is a seasoned trial attorney and former U.S. Congressman, bringing decades of legal and legislative experience to Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. Before joining the firm, Bruce was widely regarded as one of the top trial lawyers in Iowa, known for his persuasive courtroom presence and tireless commitment to client advocacy.
Throughout his legal career, Bruce has handled complex civil litigation with a focus on medical malpractice, personal injury, and wrongful death. He has tried cases in both state and federal court and is known for translating highly technical medical and legal issues into compelling, human stories for juries. His legal acumen is complemented by the insight he gained serving four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he worked on issues involving healthcare, consumer protection, and access to justice.