Medical Abandonment Lawsuit Claims Lawyer
Doctors owe patients their commitment to give them the treatment they need. When a patient-doctor relationship is established, patients rely on their doctor to be available to continue care as needed through their illness. When a medical professional severs the relationship or refuses treatment without proper notification, it can cause injuries to the patient. This is referred to as medical abandonment and is a form of medical malpractice.
What Is Medical Abandonment?
When a medical professional, usually a doctor, terminates a relationship with a patient or does not give treatment in a timely manner, this can be considered abandonment in some circumstances. Medical professionals can decide to no longer offer treatment to a patient, but it must be done correctly. The patient needs to be notified of the change and be given enough time to find alternative treatment. If a doctor does not follow protocol and “abandons” a patient during a critical point in their treatment, causing injury, it may be a case of medical malpractice. Elements that must be present to prove medical abandonment include:
- The doctor or medical professional was unavailable to the patient for care during a period of time when it was expected they would require medical treatment
- The relationship was terminated against the patient’s wishes
- There was not adequate notice given for the patient to find alternative medical care for the treatments needed
- There was injury or harm caused to the patient by the medical abandonment
There are justifiable reasons why a physician could sever treatment to a patient. If the doctor is not qualified or equipped to perform the needed treatment, or if the patient has violated certain policies, the doctor may terminate the relationship. However, they should give notice to the patient to ensure they can find another provider to give them care.
Were you injured due to a doctor or medical professional refusing your care without giving you time to find another provider? Contact Ligori & Sanders Attorneys at Law to discuss your claim. You may be eligible to seek compensation for damages if you are a victim of medical abandonment.