Albuquerque Hospital Discrimination Lawyer
Did a hospital refuse you service or not provide you proper care in an emergency situation because of your inability to pay? As per the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), the emergency room of a hospital is required to examine a patient and provide stabilizing treatment as needed, regardless of whether the person has insurance or the ability to pay. If a hospital refuses service or you are not given proper care because of your inability to pay, it is an act of discrimination, and you deserve compensation.
Although society has moved in a positive direction in terms of discrimination in the healthcare industry, instances of discrimination still occur and should be seriously addressed. If you have been a victim of discrimination, whether it be subtle or overt, speak to an experienced Albuquerque hospital discrimination lawyer for an assessment of your case. You deserve justice for the unacceptable act committed by the hospital you trusted with care.
What Qualifies as Hospital Discrimination in Albuquerque?
Since the late 1960s, hospital discrimination has been widespread throughout the US. These instances were expressed in various ways, such as denying staff privileges to minority medical professionals in the workplace, refusing to admit minority applicants to nursing and residency training, and failing to provide medical, surgical, and pediatric medical care to minority patients. Discrimination is the unfavorable treatment due to your protected class status. These categories include:
- Race
- Color
- Sexual preference
- Age
- Ethnicity
- Nationality
- Gender or gender identity
- Disability status
- Veteran status
- Religion
- And others
If you believe you have experienced an act of discrimination due to the refusal of medical services you require, speak to an experienced Albuquerque hospital discrimination lawyer for an assessment of your case. In New Mexico, discriminatory practices are illegal, and hospitals can be held accountable for their unlawful business practices.
What to Do If You Have Experienced Hospital Discrimination
If you have experienced or witnessed hospital discrimination, you may file a complaint through the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). They will provide assistance to those affected by discrimination in a healthcare facility or by a healthcare provider. This includes discrimination in instances of:
- Race
- Color
- National origin
- Disability
- Sex
- Age
- Religion
After you file a complaint, the OCR investigates the complaint thoroughly and whether they have the legal authority to proceed with the complaint. Once it is determined that they can investigate your complaint, the following steps will be taken:
- Begin interviewing witnesses
- Interview you
- Obtain relevant documentation
- Visit relevant locations for the investigation
At the end of the investigation, if the OCR determines that your civil rights were violated, the healthcare provider or hospital is allowed a specific amount of time to rectify the violation or provide the ORS with a plan of correction.
Speak to an experienced Albuquerque hospital discrimination lawyer for a chance to build a solid case against the hospital for discriminatory practices. You may be able to recover significant compensation for your losses due to their failure to treat and provide adequate care.
Hospital Discrimination and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Racial discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating to people of color in the US. The prevalence of hospital discrimination has been made clear to the extent of how much the healthcare system negatively affects the health of those seeking care during these unprecedented times. 21% of people have reported having experienced some form of discriminatory practice in a healthcare setting. Racial discrimination was the leading type of discrimination reported, followed by education, income status, weight, sex, and age.
Healthcare discrimination in hospitals results in a higher risk of illness, fatality, and lower standards of care for people of color. The COVID-19 pandemic illuminates this; for example, in a May 2020 study, it is estimated that in the US, black people were almost four times more likely to die of COVID-19 than white people. Latinx populations were twice as likely.
Many studies reveal racial disparities in how marginalized groups have access to healthcare, and some of these disparities are linked to socioeconomic inequality. If you have been a victim of hospital discrimination and have been refused treatment due to your inability to pay, speak to a seasoned Albuquerque hospital discrimination lawyer for a chance to recover damages for the losses you have endured.
Hold Discriminatory Hospitals Accountable for Unlawful Practices
No hospital should ever turn a severely injured or sick person away, no matter their situation. Our attorneys at Dominguez Law stand against this illegal and inhumane behavior. We bring hospitals to court to hold them accountable and to compensate the people they have wronged.
If you have been turned down by a hospital because of your financial circumstances, come to us for the help you need. We can fight for compensation for the treatment you need to recover from your injuries and any conditions that worsened because of the lack of care. We also help families who have lost a loved one due to hospital discrimination.
Speak to an Experienced Albuquerque Hospital Discrimination Lawyer at Dominguez Law
If you have been a victim of hospital discrimination in Albuquerque, speak to a seasoned hospital discrimination lawyer at Dominquez Law. We are passionate about pursuing legal justice on your behalf. Attorney Dominguez has the multifaceted legal experience that has helped countless victims hold hospitals accountable for their unlawful, discriminatory practices and neglect to adequately treat patients due to their inability to pay and more.
For a free, personal consultation with our Albuquerque medical malpractice lawyers, you can call (505) 317-9837 or fill out our contact form. Our office is in Albuquerque, but we work across New Mexico. Se Habla Español.