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Impersonation, Abduction, And Assault Can All Be Forms Of Medical Malpractice

On Behalf of | Apr 20, 2016 | Medical Malpractice

Posted By Tara Worthley

Even though a medical setting is usually considered a safe place, it is unfortunately still susceptible to crime that can result in harm or injury. Although extremely rare, criminal medical malpractice can be indirect or direct. It is important to recognize it and act on it by contacting a medical-negligence lawyer immediately.

A healthcare organization called the National Quality Forum (NQF) developed a list of “serious reportable events,” also known as “never events,” that occur in healthcare. This set is a compilation of serious, largely preventable, and harmful clinical events. Within the long list of never events on the NQF website are potentially criminal “never events.”

If your care is ordered or provided by an individual impersonating a physician, nurse, pharmacist, or other licensed healthcare provider, you are the victim of a crime. Abduction of a patient or resident of any age is another example of criminal activity that can occur. Sexual abuse or assault on a patient or staff member and the death or serious injury of a patient or staff member resulting from a physical assault are both crimes you should report. All of these examples are considered never events, because they are crimes that should never occur in a medical setting.

You may want to review the seven categories of never events. Remember that if you believe you or a loved one is a victim of medical negligence and your event does not appear on the list, it does not mean you do not have a medical malpractice claim. The never-event list simply includes conduct that the NQF has deemed so egregious it should never happen. Your healthcare provider is always required to provide you with medical care that meets or exceeds the standard of care.

If you or a loved one has experienced an injury or wrongful death due to a criminal never event, consider discussing the incident with a medical-negligence lawyer. He or she can determine whether medical negligence occurred and whether you have any rights against the credentialed or imposter healthcare provider for failing to protect the patient.

Pursuing a medical malpractice claim can be a complex and involved process. The Langer & Langer attorneys have handled all kinds of medical malpractice claims throughout Indiana. If you have further questions about Indiana’s medical malpractice laws, feel free to contact our offices.