Guidance from a Personal Injury Lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia and Miami, Florida
When you or a loved one experiences a medical emergency, your first concern should be health—not whether a hospital will deny care. At The Perazzo Law Firm, our attorneys know how frightening and confusing these situations can be, especially for accident victims facing sudden injuries. That’s why understanding your rights is so important.
When Can a Hospital Refuse Treatment?
Hospitals are private institutions, and in certain non-emergency situations, they may legally turn patients away. Some examples include:
- Non-emergency care without insurance or payment ability – Some private hospitals may decline to provide treatment if patients cannot pay.
- Elective or specialized procedures – Hospitals are not obligated to perform procedures they do not offer.
- Overcrowding or limited resources – A facility may redirect patients to another hospital if it cannot provide adequate care.
This means that while hospitals play a critical role in healthcare, not every patient request must be accepted if it is not urgent.
When Hospitals Must Treat You
Federal law provides strong protection for patients facing emergency medical conditions. Under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), any hospital that accepts Medicare funding (the vast majority in the U.S.) is required to:
- Provide a medical screening exam for anyone who comes to the emergency department.
- Stabilize the patient if they are suffering from an emergency medical condition.
- Treat all patients regardless of citizenship, immigration status, or ability to pay.
This law applies across Florida, Georgia, and Texas, meaning hospitals in Miami and Atlanta cannot refuse care to someone suffering a heart attack, stroke, severe accident injuries, active labor, or other life-threatening emergencies.
Is Emergency Medical Care Free?
It’s important to understand that emergency care is not free. While hospitals are required to stabilize patients, they are also allowed to bill for services provided. This means that:
- Patients without insurance may face significant medical bills.
- Immigrants—documented or undocumented—still receive treatment but remain financially responsible.
- Accident victims often leave the hospital with unexpected debt in addition to their injuries.
For families in Miami and Atlanta, these costs can create long-term financial stress, especially after a car accident or workplace injury.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
At The Perazzo Law Firm, we represent accident victims across Miami, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia. Our mission is to ensure that injured individuals don’t face the burden of medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering alone.
Our team works tirelessly to recover compensation for:
- Hospital and emergency room expenses
- Rehabilitation and long-term care costs
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Wrongful death claims on behalf of grieving families
Contact The Perazzo Law Firm
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident and faced emergency medical care in Atlanta, Georgia or Miami, Florida, our experienced team is ready to help.
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