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 who 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/GYNs 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, Angel Law, P.C. is ready to take your call to discuss your case.

Injured by an OB/GYN? Call (503) 862-8666 now for a free consultation.