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Hospitals named in med mal suits in connection with fraud charges

On Behalf of | Sep 24, 2014 | Medical Malpractice

Investigation continues in a case of health care fraud out of Detroit involving a physician who has pleaded guilty to putting patients through unnecessary treatments in order to be able to submit fraudulent insurance claims. The main doctor targeted thus far has pleaded guilty to 13 counts of health care fraud, as well as other charges. Now, eight other physicians have been implicated in the case.

According to authorities, the eight other physicians knew about the fraudulent activity but failed to report it. For that, the physicians are suspects for conspiracy. Already, multiple civil cases have been filed for medical malpractice in connection with the fraud, including several hospitals.

The details of the civil cases are not spelled out in sources, but it is worth noting that hospitals can be held liable for the actions of their employees, including physicians. If a hospital employee acts negligently in delivering care, the hospital can be held liable for that negligence. When a patient is seriously harmed by a physician, it may be smart to name the hospital as a party to the lawsuit as well in order to ensure an adequate damages award. Similarly, private medical practices may be held vicariously liable for the negligence their physicians engage in.

Whenever an injured patient pursues medical malpractice litigation, it is important for him or her to work with an experienced attorney in evaluating, building and navigating their case. In cases of vicarious liability, it can sometimes be a challenge to persuade a court to hold a hospital or private practice liable, and an experienced attorney will best know how to ensure that they are held accountable.

Source: Clickondetroit.com, “Cancer doctor’s fraud investigation widens; More doctors being sued,” September 17, 2014. 

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