Georgia Injury Law Blog
Everyone is familiar with ambulances and other emergency medical vehicles. However, many patients lack their own transportation for non-emergency medical needs. This is where non-emergency medical transport, or NEMT, fills in the gap. At its best, NEMT offers safe, reliable transportation to those who cannot drive themselves or easily access public transportation. Unlike an ambulance, it takes customers to standard doctor appointments, rehab, nursing or assisted living homes, and other medical providers when there is not a medical emergency in progress. It’s an important service that is not always covered by state-run transport such as Medicare or Medicaid, and many NEMTs are owned and operated by private companies.
Unfortunately, not all companies that own NEMTs are equally safe and reliable. Because of this, it is all too common for those reliant on NEMT to suffer injuries or even death due to negligence. One common issue is hiring and training for NEMT drivers. Legal requirements for drivers vary by state, and companies wishing to save money can take advantage of lax requirements. This can result in drivers being hired without thorough background checks, who may have a history of reckless driving or DUI. Companies can also be negligent in maintaining their fleet of vehicles. NEMT vehicles must be free of mechanical issues but also equipped to safely secure wheelchairs and other mobility aids. In an accident, such aids can become dangerous projectiles unless secured properly.
There are many scenarios in which an NEMT customer can be injured. The most common is a motor vehicle collision between an NEMT vehicle and one or more other vehicles. In addition to injuries incurred due to impact, there may be additional damage if the driver improperly secured the patient to their seat, or if a wheelchair or other aid was improperly secured. In addition to motor vehicle accidents, patients can be injured if the driver drops them from a stretcher, wheelchair or gurney while loading or unloading. Sadly, there have even been cases of patients left unaccompanied for long periods of time in the vehicle, exposed to heat stroke or other injury. Incidents such as these can lead to serious injuries, including brain damage, spinal injury, broken bones, lacerations, and internal bleeding. These injuries can result in permanent disability, loss of employment, and long-term reduction in quality of life.