Healthcare staff shortages are contributing to alarmingly long waiting times in emergency departments across the United States, according to a new study analyzing state-level hospital data. While recent reporting has highlighted staffing crises within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the findings indicate that the issue extends far beyond federal facilities and is affecting hospitals nationwide.

The study, conducted by personal injury attorneys at Injured In Florida, examined how long patients wait in emergency departments before being seen by a doctor or nurse. Using data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, researchers identified significant disparities between states, with some patients waiting far longer than the national average.

National Emergency Department Waiting Time Averages

Across the U.S., patients spend an average of 159.9 minutes waiting in emergency departments before receiving medical attention. However, in several states, wait times exceed three or even four hours, raising concerns about patient safety, treatment delays, and overall hospital capacity.

Maryland recorded the longest emergency department wait times in the country. Patients there wait an average of 248.2 minutes, which is 55 percent higher than the national average. Factors such as hospital overcrowding, workforce shortages, and high patient demand are likely contributing to these delays.

Massachusetts ranked second, with an average wait time of 223.9 minutes, roughly 40 percent above the national average. High demand in densely populated urban areas, including Boston, appears to be driving longer emergency department stays across the state.

Rhode Island placed third, with patients waiting an average of 222.6 minutes before being seen. As the smallest state by land area, limited hospital capacity may be impacting patient flow and wait times.

Delaware ranked fourth, with an average emergency department…