Unsecured Wheelchair Leads to Paralysis in Nursing Home Transport

Case Overview

This case involves an incident in which an elderly person sustained severe injuries, including paralysis, after their wheelchair tipped over during transit. The incident occurred while the patient was transported to the hospital for a routine doctor's appointment from their nursing home. The shuttle driver, employed by the nursing home, is alleged to have failed to secure the wheelchair adequately. This led to it tipping over, causing catastrophic injuries to the patient. This case revolves around determining liability and investigating potential negligence on the part of the shuttle driver or nursing home.

Questions to the Hospital Administration expert and their responses

Could you provide some insight into your professional background in Non-Emergency Medical Transportation and ADA transportation standards?

I have extensive experience spanning 16 years running a non-emergency medical transport company, coupled with 13 years working in hospital transport. This extensive exposure has equipped me with a deep understanding of ADA transportation standards and industry best practices.

What are industry standards concerning the handling of wheelchairs during transit?

Industry norms explicitly state that wheelchairs must be locked and secured during transit. There are many locking mechanisms. However, irrespective of which one is used, it is imperative that the wheelchair is securely fastened before setting the vehicle in motion. Any professional involved in patient transportation must know these requirements.

Have you reviewed similar cases? If so, could you elaborate?

Yes, I have previously reviewed a case involving ambulatory transport where a patient was not properly secured during transit. My review process typically involves scrutinizing patient transport policies and evaluating training imparted to patient transportation personnel.

About the expert

This expert has an extensive background in patient transportation, with over two decades of experience specializing in labor and delivery, antepartum and postpartum care, operating rooms, and patient escort. They hold a BS in Psychology and are a member of the National Association of Healthcare Transport Management. Their professional history includes managerial roles in patient transport at various medical institutions, and they currently oversee patient escort services at a hospital and manage patient transport at a medical university.

E-662742

Specialties:

Hospital Administration

Zach Barreto is a distinguished professional in the legal industry, currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Research at the Expert Institute. With a deep understanding of a broad range of legal practice areas, Zach's expertise encompasses personal injury, medical malpractice, mass torts, defective products, and many other sectors. His skills are particularly evident in handling complex litigation matters, including high-profile cases like the Opioids litigation, NFL Concussion Litigation, California Wildfires, 3M earplugs, Elmiron, Transvaginal Mesh, NFL Concussion Litigation, Roundup, Camp Lejeune, Hernia Mesh, IVC filters, Paraquat, Paragard, Talcum Powder, Zantac, and many others.

Under his leadership, the Expert Institute’s research team has expanded impressively from a single member to a robust team of 100 professionals over the last decade. This growth reflects his ability to navigate the intricate and demanding landscape of legal research and expert recruitment effectively. Zach has been instrumental in working on nationally significant litigation matters, including cases involving pharmaceuticals, medical devices, toxic chemical exposure, and wrongful death, among others.

At the Expert Institute, Zach is responsible for managing all aspects of the research department and developing strategic institutional relationships. He plays a key role in equipping attorneys for success through expert consulting, case management, strategic research, and expert due diligence provided by the Institute’s cloud-based legal services platform, Expert iQ.

Educationally, Zach holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and European History from Vanderbilt University.