Why A Lack Of Credentials Can Lead To A Medical Malpractice Case
Healthcare providers are required to possess certain credentials to practice medicine and hospitals are responsible for making sure that employees who perform certain treatments have all of the appropriate credentials. If you become injured as a result of a treatment you received from a healthcare provider who lacks credentials, you may want to consult with a medical malpractice attorney.
The Consequences of Practicing Without Credentials
When a medical practitioner engages in practice without the proper credentials, this may lead to treatments being carried out that are not necessary or these treatments might not be carried out properly. For example, you may not be diagnosed with a condition that a credentialed doctor would be able to detect with modern diagnostic tools.
Improper Credentials and Negligence
While the rules might vary from state to state, a medical practitioner will typically be considered negligent for any type of injury if they were practicing without the appropriate credentials. By not having a license, it is presumed that the individual providing care is negligent.
If a care provider knowingly provides care without a license and you become injured as a result, you are also much more likely to be entitled to punitive damages. This is because the idea of practicing without a license is considered to be highly offensive to most courts.
The First Steps
If you are the victim of an individual who doesn't have proper credentials, you should contact the police because practicing without credentials is against the law. Also, make sure to report the incident to a state medical complaint board. Not only will you be able to protect other patients but taking actions such as these can allow you to more easily file a civil claim against the practitioner.
A medical malpractice attorney will be able to guide you through the process of pursuing a lawsuit. If you are injured as a result of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation for any medical expenses as well as compensation for pain and suffering and wages.
How a Medical Malpractice Attorney Can Help
Calculating all of these expenses can take time and you will likely be focused on your recovery. It is better for you to turn to a medical malpractice attorney who knows how to investigate your medical malpractice case, uncover evidence of a lack of credentials and pursue the appropriate legal actions.
Contact a medical malpractice attorney for more information.