New York Physical Therapy Defense Lawyers

Physical therapists are an integral part of helping people recover after they have undergone a surgery or sustained an injury. Patients rely on these medical professionals to help them get back on their feet and make a full recovery in the wake of an accident. It is important for a patient to be able to trust their physical therapist in order to accomplish their goals. Unfortunately, people make mistakes that may hinder this trust, and medical professionals are not exempt from this behavior. When a physical therapist makes a mistake, whether it be inappropriate relations with a patient or an issue of substance abuse, their career is at stake, but our physical therapy defense lawyers can help.

If a complaint is made on your behalf to the Office of Professional Discipline (OPD), you may be in jeopardy of losing your license and putting an end to your career. When a complaint is made, the Office of Professional Discipline will investigate you for improper conduct and you will be required to attend a hearing regarding the findings of the investigation. The most common investigations of physical therapists include those for fraudulent billing, substance abuse, or inappropriate sexual relations. When you are investigated by the OPD, they will speak with your colleagues, patients, and others who know you to determine the legitimacy of the complaint.

Common Accusations Made Against Physical Therapists

Physical therapists often work in close and repeated contact with patients, which can unfortunately leave them vulnerable to a wide range of complaints. Some of the most frequent accusations that lead to OPD investigations include:

• Fraudulent Billing Practices: Physical therapists may be accused of billing for services not rendered, exaggerating treatment times, or misusing billing codes. Even honest mistakes in recordkeeping can be interpreted as intentional fraud and trigger serious disciplinary action.
• Substance Abuse: Allegations of practicing while impaired due to alcohol, prescription drugs, or illegal substances are taken extremely seriously. Such claims may not only threaten your license but also carry significant reputational damage.
• Improper Sexual Conduct: Because physical therapy requires direct physical contact, patients may misinterpret professional treatment as inappropriate behavior. In other cases, therapists may face allegations of boundary violations or consensual but unethical relationships with patients.
• Negligence or Substandard Care: Claims that a physical therapist failed to follow treatment protocols, caused unnecessary injury, or deviated from accepted standards of practice can form the basis of misconduct charges.
• Professional Boundary Violations: Even outside of sexual misconduct, therapists can be accused of inappropriate communication, favoritism, or unprofessional interactions with patients or staff.

Any of these allegations can escalate quickly from a complaint to a full disciplinary investigation. Even if the claim is unfounded, you may still face the risk of suspension, fines, or permanent loss of your license if you do not mount a strong defense.

How a Physical Therapy Defense Lawyer Can Help

When your career, license, and reputation are at stake, you cannot afford to face the Office of Professional Discipline alone. A skilled physical therapy defense lawyer plays a critical role in protecting your future by:

• Guiding You Through the OPD Process: From the initial notice of complaint to the final hearing, an attorney ensures that you understand every step, deadline, and requirement so that nothing jeopardizes your defense.
• Building a Strong Defense Strategy: A lawyer will analyze the allegations, gather evidence, review patient records, and identify weaknesses in the OPD’s case against you. This preparation is vital in presenting a clear and compelling defense.
• Protecting Your Rights During Investigations: Investigators may contact your patients, co-workers, or employers. An attorney acts as your advocate to prevent misstatements, misinterpretations, or unfair conclusions from damaging your case.
• Negotiating Favorable Outcomes: In some situations, a lawyer may be able to negotiate reduced penalties, conditional agreements, or alternative resolutions that allow you to continue practicing.
• Defending You at Hearings: If your case proceeds to a disciplinary hearing, your lawyer will represent you, cross-examine witnesses, challenge evidence, and argue forcefully on your behalf.

The goal is not just to defend against the current allegations but to safeguard the professional reputation and career you have worked so hard to build. With experienced legal counsel, you give yourself the best chance of preserving your livelihood and moving forward.

Contact Our NY Physical Therapy Defense Lawyers

It is crucial that you obtain strong, dedicated legal assistance when you are investigated by the Office of Professional Medical Conduct. Our firm understands how hard physical therapists work to create a successful career. If you are a physical therapist and you find yourself in trouble, our dedicated and experienced attorneys want to assist you in saving your career when a mistake is made and times get tough. Contact Walker Medical Law today for a free case consultation.