When you need medical treatment, you probably expect that the doctor providing you with medical care has a history that is clear of any medical malpractice accusations. But is this always the case? Will a medical malpractice lawsuit impact a doctor’s ability to practice medicine?
When a Medical License Would Be Revoked
In short, the answer to the above question is no. A doctor’s medical license, which is legally required to practice medicine, is not automatically revoked due to a medical malpractice claim. Even a lawsuit in which the doctor loses will not automatically mean that the doctor is no longer able to practice medicine.
This is because the purpose of a medical malpractice claim is not to revoke the doctor’s medical license, but for the victim to receive compensation for their damages, such as harm or pain and suffering. In reality, a doctor’s license is typically only revoked if they are deemed a threat to society/those they treat or if their behavior was extraordinarily negligent to the point that it may be considered reckless. Some common examples of this may include if:
- Overprescribing medications
- Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol while practicing medicine
- Conviction of a federal criminal offense
- Insurance fraud
The Importance of Checking Your Doctor’s Prior History
If you are planning to receive medical treatment or have a surgery in the near future, it’s important to check your potential doctor’s history of medical malpractice suits and any other disciplinary actions that have been taken against them. While this information may not be easy to find, it can help protect you from harm caused by a negligent doctor.
Here are some resources that you can utilize to check the status of a doctor’s medical license and potential history of past medical malpractice:
- American Medical Association (AMA) DoctorFinder
- Federation of State Medical Board's Physician Data Center website
- Oregon Medical Board
- Do an online search by looking up the doctor’s name and location with specific keywords, such as “lawsuit,” “malpractice,” and “complaint”
Were You a Victim of Medical Malpractice?
If you or a loved one was a victim of medical malpractice, know that the legal team at Angel Law, P.C. is here to stand in your corner. When you choose our Portland medical malpractice attorneys to represent you, you choose legal advocates who will fight relentlessly to get you the compensation and justice that you deserve.
Contact our team at (503) 862-8666 to get started with your free consultation today. Clients work directly with our attorney, Patrick Angel, throughout the entirety of their case.