What to Know About Being Charged with Malpractice as a Physical Therapist

If you are facing a medical malpractice claim, it is important to understand the details of a claim as heavy as this. Continue reading to understand how a physical therapist can act negligently, what the most common injuries sustained due to physical therapy malpractice are, and what the legal process for a malpractice claim might look like. Reach out to an experienced New York medical defense attorney today to walk you through each step of the way. We’re here to help.

How can a physical therapist behave negligently?

When individuals seek a physical therapist, they trust their physical therapist to help them to heal and be handled with care. However, there are instances in which physical therapists may commit malpractice. Some of the most common forms of negligence include the following:

  • Failing to supervise
  • Dropping patients
  • Over-extending limbs
  • Sexual assault
  • Leaving patients unsupervised on equipment
  • Ignoring patient’s complaints of pain
  • Using broken equipment
  • Failing to repair broken equipment
  • Failing to take patient’s physical condition into account before starting treatment

What are some of the most common injuries sustained due to physical therapist malpractice?

Physical therapist’s patients are vulnerable and put trust in their physical therapists. Physical therapist malpractice can be devastating and can cause several injuries. Some of the most common injuries or damages include the following:

  • Strokes
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Fatigue
  • Lower back injuries
  • Concussion
  • Heart attack
  • Strains or sprains
  • Anxiety or depression

Does the individual have a case?

In order for a patient to win a medical malpractice lawsuit, they will have to prove three things: you owed them a duty of care, you breached that duty of care, and that they were injured as a result. When a malpractice claim has been filed against you, the Office of Professional Discipline will launch an investigation into this specific incident cited in the claim. It is likely that the OPD will scrutinize the details of your case to determine whether you should be allowed to continue your practice. It is possible to fight these claims with the assistance of an experienced attorney. Your attorney can aggressively combat these charges so that you can fight for your right to practice. To learn more about how our firm can help you, contact us today to schedule an initial consultation and discuss your options.

Contact our experienced New York City firm

When a medical professional is accused of misconduct, they must retain strong legal representation. If you require a medical law attorney for your legal matters, call Paul E. Walker, an experienced New York City OPMC & OPD Lawyer. Please contact the Walker Medical Law firm to set up a free initial consultation.