New York Malpractice & Injury Lawyer Blog
In many cases, medical malpractice is obvious. A doctor fails to diagnose a patient, a medical professional prescribes the wrong medication, or a surgeon leaves something in your body during a procedure. In other cases, medical malpractice is not so clear cut. Instances of medical abandonment, for example, are much more subtle.
Exactly what is medical abandonment? In plain English, medical abandonment occurs when a doctor or other medical professional ends the doctor/patient relationship. Further, the relationship is ended when the patient still needs care and the doctor ending the relationship has not made provisions for that continuing care. When a patient needs care, medical professionals are required to provide it or make arrangements for the person to be cared for.
Here are some examples of medical abandonment:
- A doctor terminates a relationship without notifying the patient in sufficient time.
- A doctor does not attempt to find continuing care for a patient.
- A doctor allows an unqualified medical professional to take over care of a patient.
- A relationship is discontinued without valid reason.
- A relationship is discontinued against the patient’s wishes and injury or harm results.
Here is a very specific example. A woman enters a hospital in labor and delivers a baby. The obstetrician overseeing the delivery leaves the hospital and failed to turn the woman and her care over to another qualified doctor. The doctor also fails to make the treatment needs and medical history of the woman known. This is a clear case of medical abandonment.
If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of medical abandonment, you need a qualified attorney on your side. Call our office today for more information about your options and how we can assist you. If you don’t have an opportunity to phone today, browse our website for more information about how we can assist you and call as soon as possible.