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Recovering for a Doctor's Bad Behavior
A report by local television station WKYC has investigated what it calls “Doctors behaving badly.” In this report, the journalist uncovered numerous instances of physicians being disciplined for behavior that violates their professional code of conduct. When this behavior causes an injury to a patient, a lawsuit can be brought against the doctor and hospital for medical negligence. This report details a very troubling rise in medical negligence that is occurring within the State of Ohio. More and more doctors are engaging in criminal activity, including writing unnecessary prescriptions, doctors and surgeons under the influence of drugs or alcohol while treating patients, and doctors engaging in sexual assaults upon their patients. While there is an enforcement board, the enforcement does not address the civil negligence impact. It also does not focus upon obtaining damages for you and your family.
In one case profiled by the investigative journalist, a doctor in Northeast Ohio was charged with sexual assault upon his patients. The doctor was using the doctor-patient relationship to commit criminal acts upon unsuspecting female patients. This doctor is currently being investigated by the State Medical Board of Ohio. In addition, a civil lawsuit has been filed against this doctor to obtain recovery for the damages he has caused to the patients he assaulted. The report also addresses the increase of doctors being disciplined for the illegal prescriptions and use of prescription drugs. Ryan, LLP has experience representing individuals that have been injured as a result of conduct similar to those uncovered by the WKYC reporter. We have assisted families to recover for the injuries that have occurred as a result of doctors being under the influence while treating patients. We also have assisted families investigate surgeons abusing prescription drugs and failing to properly treat patients as a result of this abuse. In all of these cases, it is important to evaluate the impact of the provider’s behavior on the medical care that was provided to the patient. A physician could be guilty of criminal acts, but if the criminal behavior was committed while the doctor was not treating patients, it is difficult to seek recovery by a patient for these illegal acts. For example, if a doctor gets pulled over and found to have operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, this may have nothing to do with the treatment of patients. A doctor can only be found negligent for acts that were performed during the course and scope of treating patients. However, the State Medical Board could investigate the incident and determine whether the physician has violated his terms of professional conduct. These investigations are very complex and the doctors and hospitals will fight disclosure of information. Ryan, LLP has the experience to determine where specific records should be located and can determine whether further information needs to be disclosed. If you believe you or a family member has been harmed due to the illegal conduct of a medical provider, contact Ryan, LLP today do begin the process of investigation the details of the medical care provided to the patient. In addition, Ryan, LLP will begin an investigation on the status of the medical license of the physicians that provided medical care. These investigations are very complex, but you may be entitled to a free consultation and investigation. Contact Ryan, LLP today to discuss whether your case qualifies for free consultation and investigation. About the author of this article: Thomas Ryan
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