For Medicaid patients that rely on non-emergency transportation services to transport them to their doctor’s visits, a tremendous amount of trust is placed on drivers and their ability to provide a safe experience for the patient. Unfortunately, some patients are at risk for serious injuries and even death due to potential oversights made by Georgia’s Department of Community Health. While the state requires transportation providers such as LogistiCare and Southeastrans to ensure that drivers are adequately trained in wheelchair safety, first aid, defensive driving and sensitivity training as it pertains to Medicaid rides, the weight of responsibility often falls upon the drivers themselves. Consequently, some drivers are not properly trained. Furthermore, with added pressures from the number of rides needed, as well as mechanical problems with old transportation vehicles, patients are left to suffer the consequences, some of which are devastating.
If your family member or loved one has been injured in a non-emergency transportation incident in Atlanta, and you believe that it is due to negligence, you need to contact the Burnside Law Firm today to discuss the details of your personal injury issue.
Injuries And Accidents During Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT)
Transportation services throughout the metro Atlanta area are designed to serve patients by helping them get to their doctor’s visits in a safe, timely manner. Yet, a growing number of instances point to neglect, as patients are injured in accidents that could have been avoided. In one case, a wheelchair was not secured properly in a transportation vehicle, causing a frail, 90-pound woman to fall out of her chair onto the concrete. Tragically, the wheelchair then fell on top of her. She later died at the hospital. In another case, a patient dislocated their shoulder when the driver slammed on the brakes. The patient was not properly fastened and secured in the vehicle.
From ill-equipped drivers to taxpayer-funded transportation systems like LogistiCare and Southeastrans, to the Department of Community Health, there are a number of opinions regarding who is to blame for accidents and injuries sustained during non-emergency medical transports (NEMT). Yet, the result is the same, and a growing number of elderly, vulnerable patients are being hurt.
With a primary focus on serving individuals across Georgia who have suffered injury or wrongful death, the Burnside Law Firm is well positioned to advocate on behalf of those hurt in a non-emergency medical transport incident. To speak with one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys in a free consultation, contact us today.
