Was your loved one harmed because a nursing home failed to call 911 or send them to the hospital in time? You may have a legal case for nursing home neglect or abuse under Georgia law. At Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C. (BBGA), we help families across Georgia hold long-term care facilities accountable when delays in emergency care led to severe injury, or even death.

Contact us today for a free consultation if you suspect your loved one received delayed emergency care and they were seriously injured or killed from it. You can contact us at 706-354-4000 or fill out our online contact form and someone will be in touch.

Table of Contents

The Real Reason Some Georgia Nursing Homes Delay Sending Residents to the ER

When a resident in a Georgia nursing home becomes seriously ill or injured, the appropriate response should be to call 911 or send them to the hospital, immediately. But unfortunately, some facilities delay this crucial care. Why? Because of money.

Many nursing homes receive Medicaid or Medicare funding for a resident’s bed. If that resident is admitted to the hospital, Georgia Medicaid will only cover a “bed hold” for seven days per hospital stay. After that, the nursing home stops getting paid unless the family pays privately, which many families can’t afford.

Some facilities choose to delay hospital transfers to avoid losing income or having to re-fill that bed. They may keep residents in their room even when their condition clearly warrants emergency care.

This practice is not only unethical — it can be deadly.

Common Illnesses Nursing Homes May Delay Treating in Georgia

Georgia nursing homes may fail to act quickly on the following health issues:

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Respiratory infections (including pneumonia or COVID-19)
  • Sepsis
  • Stroke symptoms
  • Chest pain or cardiac symptoms
  • High fever or unexplained confusion
  • Severe dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
  • Falls with head trauma or fractures
  • Bedsores that become infected
  • Diabetic emergencies

Delays in treatment for these conditions can cause irreversible harm, or death.

Injuries That May Result from Delayed Emergency Care in Nursing Homes

When nursing homes fail to call 911 in time due to Medicaid bed hold in Georgia, families may later discover their loved one has suffered:

A History of Results

We have an established track record of bringing our clients results they expect and deserve. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients, and we know how to fight the insurance companies and medical facilities.

Do You Have a Nursing Home Negligence Case in Georgia?

If your loved one was seriously harmed, permanently injured, or died after a Georgia nursing home failed to get them emergency care fast enough, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.

Our team investigates cases like these by reviewing medical records and timelines, interviewing staff and witnesses, consulting with medical experts, and proving the facility’s delayed care led directly to harm.

We hold negligent nursing homes accountable and fight for justice on behalf of Georgia families.

Why Choose Our Georgia Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

At BBGA, we have more than 40 years of experience handling complex nursing home negligence cases throughout Georgia. We’re not afraid to take on large corporate nursing home chains, and we know what it takes to prove abuse or neglect in court.

Our legal team will:

  • Conduct a full investigation
  • Handle all communication with the facility and insurers
  • Seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and wrongful death
  • Guide you every step of the way with compassion and clarity

Serving All of Georgia

Our nursing home neglect attorneys represent families across the state of Georgia, including:

  • Atlanta
  • Macon
  • Augusta
  • Athens
  • Columbus
  • Savannah
  • Rome
  • Valdosta
  • Gainesville
  • Conyers and surrounding areas

Frequently Asked Questions About Delayed Emergency Care in Georgia Nursing Homes

What is a “bed hold” in a Georgia nursing home?

A bed hold refers to the number of days Georgia Medicaid will pay a nursing home to hold a resident’s bed while they are temporarily hospitalized or away. In Georgia, Medicaid pays for up to 7 days per hospital stay and 8 days per calendar year for home visits. After that, the nursing home may stop receiving payment, which can lead to delay hospital transfers to keep their income steady.

Can a nursing home in Georgia refuse to send a resident to the hospital?

No. Nursing homes in Georgia must follow the standard of care, which includes promptly sending a resident to the ER if their condition warrants it. Delaying emergency care to avoid losing Medicaid/Medicare funding or to avoid liability can be considered neglect or abuse under Georgia law.

Why would a nursing home delay calling 911?

Some Georgia nursing homes delay calling 911 or transferring a resident to the hospital to:

  • Avoid losing Medicaid/Medicare payments after a resident leaves
  • Avoid triggering an investigation into a fall, infection, or worsening condition
  • Try to manage the situation in-house even when staff are unqualified or overworked
    This behavior prioritizes the facility’s finances over the resident’s safety, and it may be grounds for a lawsuit.

What types of medical conditions should prompt an immediate hospital transfer?

Nursing homes must seek emergency care immediately for conditions such as:

  • Stroke symptoms (slurred speech, paralysis)
  • Chest pain or signs of a heart attack
  • Head trauma or bleeding from a fall
  • High fever, confusion, or sepsis signs
  • Trouble breathing or oxygen drops
  • Sudden loss of consciousness or diabetic coma

Delays in these situations can lead to permanent harm or death.

Is it medical malpractice if a nursing home delays emergency care?

It can be. If a Georgia nursing home fails to recognize a medical emergency or intentionally delays treatment for financial or staffing reasons, it may be liable for negligence, medical malpractice, or wrongful death.

How can I prove that a nursing home delayed emergency care?

A seasoned Georgia nursing home abuse lawyer can help by:

  • Reviewing the facility’s medical and incident records
  • Interviewing witnesses and staff
  • Consulting with emergency medicine and geriatric experts
  • Establishing a timeline showing how delayed care led to injury or death

We build a strong case to hold the facility accountable and help your family get justice.

What compensation can I recover in a Georgia nursing home neglect lawsuit?

You may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical bills and hospital costs
  • Pain and suffering
  • Funeral and burial expenses (in wrongful death cases)
  • Emotional distress and loss of companionship

Georgia law allows families to pursue justice when their loved one suffers due to a facility’s negligence or delay.

How do I know if I have a case against a Georgia nursing home?

If your loved one was seriously injured, permanently disabled, or passed away after a delay in emergency medical care, you should speak to a Georgia nursing home neglect attorney. At BBGA, we offer free consultations and only get paid if we recover money for you in your case.

Contact Us Today for a Free Case Review

If your loved one was harmed in a Georgia nursing home because the facility delayed sending them to the hospital, don’t wait.

Call the experienced attorneys at BBGA today at 706-354-4000 or fill out our Free Case Evaluation Form. We don’t charge a fee unless we recover money for you in your case.