Medical Licenses and Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

 Posted on May 31, 2020 in Medical License Defense

Being accused of committing medical malpractice is one of the worst things that could happen to a medical professional. It takes years upon years of education, training, residency, and internship to become a physician. The last thing you would want to see is all of that go down the drain because of a patient complaint. In most cases, medical professionals do not have to worry about facing disciplinary action if they are accused of malpractice, but there are situations in which your license could be put into jeopardy if you are found to be responsible for malpractice.

What Is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional causes injury or harm to a patient because of a negligent act. Malpractice can occur during any stage of care, but to be considered malpractice, it must contain the following three elements:

• The standard of care was violated
• An injury was caused by the negligent act
• That injury resulted in significant damages

There must always be these three elements present for a case to be legally considered medical malpractice. Accusing a doctor of malpractice is serious and could harm the doctor’s career and reputation. Because of this, cases that are missing even one of the elements would likely not hold up in court.

Malpractice and Your Medical License

Losing your medical license or your privileges to practice medicine is a possible consequence if you are found guilty of malpractice. However, it is uncommon for a physician to face disciplinary action for a malpractice accusation. Anyone is permitted to make a complaint about a physician; it is the task of the Medical Disciplinary Board to investigate these complaints and recommend appropriate disciplinary action.

In most cases, the outcome of a malpractice allegation will not include losing one’s medical license. However, it is possible. The Medical Disciplinary Board may determine that the best course of action is to terminate practicing privileges if a physician:

• Has had multiple allegations or convictions of malpractice
• Committed an egregious mistake that led to the malpractice
• Committed unprofessional misconduct that led to malpractice, such as being under the influence on the job

Discuss Your Case With an Illinois Medical License Defense Lawyer

Thousands of medical malpractice cases are filed each year, but many of these cases do not result in disciplinary action to the physician. If you are facing a medical malpractice lawsuit, you should speak with an Illinois medical license defense attorney as soon as possible. At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc., we can answer any questions you may have about medical malpractice lawsuits and what they mean for your medical license. Call us today at 630-310-1267 to set up a time to go over your case.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1309&ChapterID=24

https://www.abpla.org/what-is-malpractice