What is Therapist Malpractice?
Therapist malpractice is any departure from the accepted standards of therapy that results in an injury to the patient. If a therapist acts in a way that falls below the standard of care used by an average therapist, he may be guilty of therapist malpractice.
How Can I Prove I am a Victim of Therapist Malpractice?
To prove that you have been a victim of therapist malpractice, you must be able to show several things:- You must be able to show that an ordinary reasonable therapist would have acted with more care than your therapist. Oftentimes, you will need expert witnesses to establish the standard of care.
- You must show that you suffered some injury. Even if a therapist acted in a way that was below the standard of care, if you cannot prove that you were injured by his conduct, you cannot sue for therapist malpractice.
- The therapist's negligent conduct caused your injury.
What Are Some Common Types of Therapist Malpractice?
Because many therapists hold very strong influence over their patients, their conduct must be particularly cautious. A seemingly minor error in judgment can make a therapist liable for malpractice. Some of the most common ways therapists err are:- Making inappropriate or excessive self-disclosure
- Using techniques without proper training
- Deliberately misdiagnosing patients
- Having a sexual relationship with a current or former patient
- Failing to take adequate notes
- Failing to take a proper history
- Failing to consult with peers or to take the advice of peers
I Think I Have Been the Victim of Therapist Malpractice. Should I Consult a Lawyer?
If you think that you are a victim of therapist malpractice, you may want to consult a malpractice lawyer to learn more about your rights. Malpractice cases can be tricky and an experienced malpractice lawyer can help you determine if you have a strong case. If necessary, a malpractice lawyer can represent you in court and ensure your rights are protected. |
 |
