How to File a Complaint Against a Doctor

To err is human (to forgive divine)...didn't someone famous once say that?? Your daughter forgot to put the wet clothes into the dryer after school...she says she's sorry...you forgive her...it's all put behind you. To err, IS human after all and we all make little mistakes every day...but what about doctors?? Plastic surgeons, general practitioners, and OBGYNs who are in charge of our health, sanity and well being?? What happens when your son's pediatrician 'forgets' that your son is allergic to codeine and prescribes him liquid **** syrup after his tonsillectomy and he nearly dies from the reaction he has from it? What happens when your elderly mother complains of constant headaches and her family physician 'brushes it off' with 'take two Tylenol and get plenty of rest' and she dies of an aneurysm in her brain a week later that could have been caught and operated on if proper precautions had been taken? What about THOSE mistakes? To err IS human...but the result of a doctor making a mistake can cause pain, disfigurement, mental anguish, or even death. If you have suffered a tragedy at the hands of a medical doctor or surgeon you CAN do your part to report your experience so that other innocent people will not have to suffer with the same issues or complaints that YOU have suffered. Read on to find out how!

Instructions

1. 

   If your family, friend or loved one has suffered excessive tragedy, disfigurement, pain or death due to the negligence, ignorance or inattention of a doctor or medical professional; the first thing you should probably do is to file a medical complaint with your state's medical board. Each state has their own medical board and the members and officers are usually made up of physicians themselves; so FILING a complaint will not usually result in a physician being disciplined or charged with any type of crime or punishment. This does not mean that you should NOT file a complaint with your state's medical board, on the contrary, you should. The main reason to file a complaint with a state medical board is that all complaints must be registered into public records regarding that doctor. YOUR complaint or story might alert future patients or innocent people of that doctor's lack of attention, ethics, or to his bad practices. Documenting your experience via the state medical board might help to prevent others from becoming victims who suffer as you have suffered. Research YOUR state's requirements for filing medical complaints online first. Do a google search for 'state medical board' and add in your state's name to determine specific state rules, guidelines, and steps to take.

2. 

   Contact a local news station either by phone or online via their website or email. Tell THEM your story and have any medical records you may have ready to 'back up' your claims. Get second opinions from other doctors in that field to substantiate your feelings and issues. News crews usually have 'community watch' type segments relating to 'bad business' or faulty products or scams from non-legit companies. It is possible that if YOU have had an issue with a doctor or medical professional, then others in your community have also had 'bad medicine' dealings with them as well!

3. 

   Contact a medical malpractice attorney or a personal injury lawyer with all the details about your situation and your medical files/records and other medical opinions to see if you have a case against your physician or doctor. Many attorneys will offer a free consultation and waive any fees until a satisfactory settlement is reached in your favor. Ask your lawyer for references and make sure they are qualified to handle your issues and what their 'fees' or 'percentages' might be. Filing a lawsuit against a medical professional or doctor is a serious issue that should not be taken lightly as this will also become public knowledge.

4. 

   Talk to other people in your town and community. While it is illegal to 'slander' someone or offer 'public negative opinions'; it is NOT illegal to speak to friends (or friends of friends) about your OWN personal experiences with a certain individual--even if that person is a doctor. If someone asks your advice or opinion about a doctor, his or her bedside manner, his or her office or staff, etc.; then give it--be honest! That's what YOU would want if YOU were the one seeking advice or a personal opinion. Word of mouth travels...the good, the bad and the ugly. Doctors will more than likely clean up their act if they think (or know) that people in the community might be questioning their practice, quality of care, dedication, honesty and judgment!

5. 

   If you found this article about how to file a complaint against a doctor useful in any way; please do not forget to leave a comment before you leave this page! To leave a remark; simply scroll to the bottom of this page beneath the article and type what you'd like to say in the comment box; then click 'post comment'--I'd love to hear what you have to say! Thanks so much for reading my work here on ehow!

Tips & Warnings

• legal advice should be sought if you seek to file a case or sue a doctor or physician

• slander is defined as: a false statement that deliberately does harm or injury to another's character or reputation. SLANDER is illegal if there is no basis for the remarks or opinions. be aware of this legal term.

• speak to your doctor if you suspect he or she may not be 'fulfilling their obligations' as your physician properly before 'jumping to conclusions' as there may only be a simple miscommunication or misunderstanding