New Jersey Medical Malpractice Lawyers: Psychiatric Care and Patient Harm
Most Americans know that when a physician breaches his or her duty of care to a patient, thereby causing harm, the physician can be held liable in a court of law for medical malpractice. New Jersey doctor mistakes lawyers note that the harm need not be as straightforward as a missed cancer diagnosis or an erroneously amputated limb, however. Psychiatrists are medical professionals who treat patients, not unlike an oncologist or surgeon. When mistakes are made in the field of psychiatry a psychiatrist may also find himself facing claims of medical malpractice – even if the only harm suffered by a patient is emotional.
Psychiatric malpractice can take place in any number of ways. When a psychiatrist abandons a patient without warning and without providing a referral to a new psychiatrist, it can cause great emotional distress, particularly for patients in crisis. Emotional harm can also take place when a psychiatrist shares sensitive, confidential information about a patient without his or her consent, or when a psychiatrist threatens a patient.
At other times, psychiatrists cause harm that is more physical in nature. Physical and sexual abuse by a psychiatrist can give rise to a claim for malpractice, in addition to criminal charges. Psychiatrists also have the ability to prescribe powerful medicines for their patients, many of which should not be taken in combination with other drugs. Failure to obtain a complete medical history – including an inventory of a patient’s current prescriptions – can lead to a dangerous mix of medicine that leaves patients injured.
The importance of maintaining the duty of care reaches its peak when a psychiatrist treats a suicidal patient. Threats of self-harm may sometimes be idle and at other times real. A psychiatrist must discern between the two, closely monitor his or her suicidal patients, and take steps to prevent those same patients from carrying out their threats. Failure to report or warn others of a patient’s intent to commit suicide or harm others can result in a malpractice claim and even the loss of a medical license.
New Jersey Doctor Mistakes Lawyers at Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP Represent Victims of Psychiatric Malpractice
If you or a loved one believe you were harmed by inferior psychiatric care, you may have a viable claim for psychiatric malpractice. Call New Jersey medical malpractice lawyers at Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP at 732-777-0100 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation at our offices in Red Bank, Edison or Toms River, New Jersey, where we proudly serve medical malpractice clients throughout the surrounding areas.
Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP has purposely remained small in size, because it is important to us that we get to know our clients and their needs. Larger NJ injury firms may churn out case after case, but that’s not how we operate. Partners Barry Eichen, William Crutchlow, and Daryl Zaslow have created a firm with the resources to handle complex litigation, and a team that takes your case personally.
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