Every day, expectant mothers put their lives and their children’s lives in the hands of OB/GYNs, as well as the entire delivery team. It’s certainly normal to trust the medical professionals providing you medical care. But sometimes it’s a good idea to find out if your doctor has been found negligent by a jury in a prior lawsuit. Many medical professionals have faced successful medical malpractice lawsuits and are still practicing despite the fact.
Lawsuits & OB/GYNs
The American Medical Association (AMA) reports that more than one in three physicians (34%) have had a medical liability lawsuit filed against them at some point in their careers. Unfortunately, obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) are at a much higher risk of facing medical malpractice lawsuits. It’s fair to remember that just because a lawsuit has been filed against a doctor does not necessarily mean it’s meritorious. But when the number of negligence claims grows, patients are right to be concerned.
AMA reports that an estimated 63% of OB/GYNs have been sued at some point, making them tied for the most sued medical professionals practicing medicine today. The other lawsuit-prone specialty is general surgery. Interesting note: the percentage of male doctors who face negligence lawsuits (40%) is nearly double the rate of female physicians (23%).
Therefore, the chances are good that your OB/GYN has faced a lawsuit at some point. It can be disconcerting to realize that OB/GYNs sued for medical malpractice very often continue to work even if the lawsuit was successful.
Sued OB/GYNs Can Continue Practicing
Civil court rulings concerning OB/GYNs often do not affect their abilities to practice because civil courts have no direct control over their employment. A civil judgment resulting from a successful malpractice lawsuit does not prevent a hospital or clinic from employing an OB/GYN whom a jury has found was careless.
However, in civil cases that establish gross negligence, two things may lead to an OB/GYN’s dismissal. A hospital can determine that the OB/GYN acted negligently and as a result, dismiss him or her from the staff, or a medical board can take away the OB/GYN’s license. These two outcomes are discretionary and not widely seen.
Therefore, a successful civil court case may, in fact, lead to a dismissal, but it’s not guaranteed.
Injured by an OB/GYN?
If you or a loved one suffers injuries due to an OB/GYN’s questionable care, you may have the right to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. If you are unsure of your options, our Portland medical malpractice lawyers at Angel Law, P.C. are ready to take your call to discuss your case.
Injured by an OB/GYN? Call (503) 953-8224 now for a free consultation.