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Primary Care Malpractice

Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran

As you walk into hospitals or doctor offices, you are likely to come in contact with at least one physician extender. Physician extender is the broad term that generally describes other medical professionals, such as nurse practitioners or physician’s assistants who are under the supervision of a medical doctor.

In most cases, these physicians assistants will bring us to our room, listen to our symptoms and may even give a diagnosis if the issue seems straightforward.

In some cases, this can, unfortunately, lead to cases of medical malpractice. If you believe you have suffered from primary care medical malpractice, you can file a claim with the help of a medical malpractice lawyer to fight for the punitive damages you deserve.

One of the highest medical malpractice payouts was awarded to a patient treated by an inexperienced and unlicensed midlevel provider, another name for physician extenders. In 2007, this 44-year-old man in Tampa, Florida visited his local doctor’s office and was diagnosed with sinusitis. However, it was later discovered that he actually suffered from a cerebellar stroke. He was awarded $217 million, including $100 million in punitive damages after filing his claim.

7 most common instances of medical malpractice among physician extenders

1. The patient was misled about the person’s identity and was told they were a primary physician.

2. The health professional was unaware of all of the side-effects of a certain medication or procedure and could not properly inform the patient.

3. The health professional was unaware that he or she administered a drug in a non-FDA approved way and was therefore unaware of possible side-effects.

4. Misdiagnosis.

5. Suggested wrong treatment that either led the patient’s symptoms to persist or worsen.

6. Prescription of the wrong dose of the right medication or the wrong medication.

7. Prescription of an incompatible medication that interacts negatively or even fatally with the patient’s current medication.

How to avoid instances of medical malpractice

Never feel embarrassed about asking for your care provider’s qualifications. If, after viewing their qualifications, you feel they cannot provide adequate care, ask to be seen by a different PA or your normal physician.

Instances of medical malpractice

Closely read consent forms to see whether the office or hospital has a Physician’s Assistant or Nurse Practitioner working under a licensed doctor.

If you feel something isn’t right about your treatment plan or diagnosis, get a second opinion.

You are a victim of medical malpractice? How a medical malpractice lawyer can help

If you or a loved one were a victim of medical malpractice at the hands of a PA, nurse practitioner or similar individual in Michigan, you may be able to sue for damages with the help of nearby malpractice lawyers. Before you contact one of the lawyers specializing in medical malpractice in your immediate area, make sure you have collected all the relevant documentation regarding your visit and diagnosis at the related facility. These documents play an important role in establishing whether primary care medical malpractice actually took place, and a claim can be filed.

Generally, the supervising doctor will be held responsible for the actions of his staff as well as your medical situation, even if they did not meet you personally. However, cases are tried individually, so it is possible that the PA could be held legally responsible for their damaging actions. Statistics show that only around 3% of PAs have made malpractice payments in the past.

You have a right to exceptional healthcare, no matter your age, gender, or location. If you suffered at the hands of a medical professional in Michigan, you need to fight for compensation with the help of Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. For a free consultation, contact our firm at 866-MICH-LAW toll-free.

Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.

Tim is a writer and editor who earned his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Maryland and calls Washington, D.C., home after spending most of his adult life in the country's capital. Although Tim spent most of his post-college years in the restaurant industry, he became interested in writing about legal matters after he recently moved to Colombia. Today, Tim writes professionally about medical malpractice, drug policies, and workplace injuries. Tim is focused on curating his freelancing career and plans to work remotely for as long he can.

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