Non-Emergency Medical Transport

Non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) is transportation for anyone needing access to medical providers outside of an emergency. Unlike an ambulance, it takes customers to standard doctor appointments, rehabilitation sessions, nursing or assisted living homes, and other medical providers when there is not a medical emergency in progress. If you have not used this mode of transit yourself, you probably know someone who has. NEMT is useful for anyone who cannot drive themselves to appointments, particularly seniors, disabled individuals, low-income individuals without their own vehicles, those without public transportation, individuals with chronic conditions, and rural individuals who must cover large distances to access medical care. NEMTs are frequently covered by Medicaid, but they are owned and operated by private companies. Drivers of NEMT vehicles must be especially cautious when driving due to the medical fragile condition of their passengers. Unfortunately, very often the drivers of NEMT vehicles are not well trained or qualified and frequently get in serious car accidents. When these accidents occur, the passengers, who were already medically compromised, often suffer severe or catastrophic personal injuries.

At its best, NEMT offers safe, reliable transportation to those who cannot drive themselves or easily access public transportation. Unfortunately, it is all too common for those reliant on NEMT to suffer injuries or even wrongful death due to negligence. This negligence can arise from many causes, including driver errors, inappropriate hiring, retention and/or training of drivers and/or the NEMT company allowing drivers to operate the vehicles for a longer period of time than is safe. 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 resulting in the employment of drivers who may have a history of reckless driving or DUI. Rushing to get new drivers on the road quickly can mean drivers are inadequately trained to work with disabled populations who require special care, and many drivers have medical training. 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. Some of the most common include the following:

• A collision between an NEMT vehicle and one or more motor vehicles
• The driver improperly securing a patient to their seat or improperly securing a wheelchair
• The driver dropping a patient from a stretcher, wheelchair, or gurney while loading/ unloading
• Improper use of chair lifts
• Exposure or heat stroke from being left unattended in the vehicle for long periods of time

Incidents such as these can lead to serious personal injuries, including brain damage, spinal injury, broken bones, lacerations, and internal bleeding. These personal injuries can result in permanent disability, loss of employment, and long-term reduction in quality of life.

Multiple parties can be considered liable for such personal injuries or wrongful deaths. In an auto accident between an NEMT and other motor vehicles, police will determine if the NEMT driver was at-fault due to speeding, distracted driving, or recklessness. In such cases not only the driver of the NEMT vehicle, but the company employing the driver can also be held liable. The driver and company can also be held liable in cases where the driver fails to secure a passenger or drops them during transport, or in cases where a passenger is left unattended. If the vehicle itself has a mechanical failure, the owner of the vehicle may also be held liable.

If you or a loved one requires NEMT, it is worth careful research into the company that operates the vehicles to ensure that they make safety a top priority. It is also worth looking into the requirements for NEMTs in your state to ensure that the company is following the law. In the case of a serious injury or death involving an NEMT, do not try to resolve the liability issues on your own. These are complex cases involving multiple entities. Contact a trusted personal injury attorney who can navigate these cases and pursue full compensation you or your loved one deserves.

Contact Katz Personal Injury Lawyers After an NEMT Accident in Georgia

If you or a loved one has been injured in an NEMT accident in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, or anywhere in Georgia, contact the legal team at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers at (888) 426-2100 or (404) 460-0101 to discuss your options on pursuing claims against the at-fault driver and other responsible entities. We can help you obtain fair and just compensation for your injuries.