When most people think of medical malpractice, they think of surgical errors or misdiagnosis. However, psychiatrists can also be held responsible for malpractice. When a psychiatrist makes a mistake, the effects can be detrimental to a victim. At The Weitz Firm, LLC, our Philadelphia psychiatric malpractice attorneys are ready to help victims secure the compensation they deserve in these cases.
What are the various types of psychiatric malpractice?
Malpractice that happens at the hands of psychiatrists is a bit different than that of medical doctors (Even though psychiatrists are indeed medical doctors).
Abuse of power
Psychiatrists can most certainly abuse the power they have over their patients. In many cases, psychiatric patients are particularly vulnerable, especially to those in charge of their care. Some examples of abuse of power by a psychiatrist can include:
- Abusing or threatening to abuse their patient (verbally or physically)
- Abandoning the patient or not turning over their care to an appropriately licensed individual
- Engaging in a sexual relationship with a patient
- Sexual abuse of the patient
- Sharing information about the patient without the patient’s consent
- Using restraints without good cause
Negligence
There are also various ways in which a psychiatrist’s negligence can cause patient harm. In many ways, this type of malpractice will look similar to a typical medical malpractice claim:
- Misdiagnosing a patient
- Not obtaining informed consent from the patient (or their legal guardian) before treatment
- Failing to properly obtain a patient’s medical and family history
- Failing to document patient information properly
- Failing to prescribe proper psychiatric medications
- Prescribing the wrong medications or overprescribing a medication
In many cases, psychiatrists take on too many patients or are otherwise unable to provide patients with adequate and reasonable care.
The effects of psychiatric malpractice
Just like mistakes made by any other medical professional, psychiatric malpractice can cause significant harm to a patient. Incorrect medications or treatment can lead to adverse side effects or even death for a patient. Similarly, if a patient does not receive the medical care or medication necessary, they may suffer irreparable harm.
In many cases, patients visit a psychiatrist because they have suffered emotional trauma they need assistance with. Without this assistance, a patient can become a danger to others or to themselves. A patient may also develop a new psychiatric disorder as a result of this malpractice.
Let us get to work on your behalf today
If you or a loved one have been harmed due to a mistake or negligence on the part of a psychiatrist, seek legal assistance immediately. The team at The Weitz Firm, LLC thoroughly understands these cases, and we will get to work securing any compensation you are entitled to. This could include:
- Compensation for all medical expenses related to the psychiatric mistake
- Coverage of lost wages if you cannot work due to what happened
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Pain and suffering damages
- Possible punitive damages against the psychiatrist responsible
If you need a Philadelphia psychiatric malpractice attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 267-587-6240.
