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First a little about myself. I'm a RN and work with cancer and hospice patient in a hospital setting. About 8 weeks ago I had a lady who I believed had breast cancer that spread to the liver and was in liver failure. She was comfort care and family was deciding wether to sign up for hospice. She very quickly declined on my shift and, we are talking a matter of minutes. I called her sister to come in as requested but she passed away before her sister arrived. Needless to say her sister was upset that I did not call earlier. But again it was a very quick decline. I get a message from a attorneys claiming he represents the estate of the patient and had a few questions regard her last moments, info the courts needed per attorney. He states it is a estate matter and neither the hospital or myself is getting sued. I'm going to talk to my boss about the matter.Should I get an attorney myself? How should I proceed?
State/Country relating to Question: Minnesota Already Tried: nothing yet. I just back from my vacation and there was the message on my answering machine. I just have not been able to sleep.
You should notify your boss who will notify the hospital's legal department. If there is a claim it would be against the hospital. It is a prudent idea to also have your own personal lawyer but you can wait until after you meet with the boss and see their position. The main point here is to see if you follow standard procedures. You were not the cause of the death and you did try to get her to come, more than most. I do not see a claim from what you mentioned but speak to your boss.
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