Medical Malpractice Against Psychiatrist

Types of Psychiatrist Negligence

There are numerous ways a psychiatrist may act carelessly or outside the scope of his or her duties. Below are a few examples of situations that could give rise to a malpractice lawsuit.

Failing to diagnose a dangerous condition

Misdiagnosing a condition

Prescribing the wrong medication or the wrong dosage

Not documenting a suicidal risk or not carefully monitoring or following up with high-risk patients

Failing to respond to family members’ concerns about a patient with suicidal behaviors

Prescribing habit-forming medications without evaluating a patient’s risk of drug dependency (or wittingly contributing to the patient’s doctor shopping scheme)

Failure to evaluate a suicidal patient’s environment, such as exposure to firearms

Not alerting authorities or another third party if a dangerous patient has discussed a potential victim

Failure to monitor or conduct regular lithium and electrolyte tests on patients who are prescribed lithium

Failure to get informed consent when prescribing psychotropic medications

Failing to conduct neurological evaluations on patients who have a decreased level of consciousness or an altered mental state

Terminating services for a patient in crisis to avoid malpractice risk

Failing to document professional judgments, risk factors, and diagnoses

Sexual abuse

Abuse of power

Suing for Damages

Not every mistake a psychiatrist makes is grounds for a malpractice suit. To have a viable case, you must be able to establish the following elements.

The psychiatrist acted in a way that was not in alignment with the industry’s standard of care. In other words, the doctor was negligent. This is usually established by using the testimony of an unbiased field expert (another psychiatrist) who can validate the psychiatrist in question acted in a way that was sub-standard.
The psychiatrist’s negligence was the cause of the patient’s harm.
The patient suffered actual injury (or death).

Discussing Your Case with a Psychiatrist Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Your first step to determining if you can recover damages via a medical malpractice claim or suit, you’ll need to have a malpractice attorney assess your case. For legal counsel in Georgia, you are welcome to contact attorney Jason R. Schultz for a free consultation. Contact our office today at 404-474-0804 and schedule your evaluation.

Do You Feel You Or A Loved One Have Experienced Medical Malpractice In Georgia?

If you believe you or a loved one have been subjected to medical malpractice you should speak with an experienced Georgia medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Peachtree City office directly at 404.474.0804 to schedule your confidential consultation. Jason has helped injured victims in Peachtree City and throughout Georgia for over 30 years and looks forward to helping you.

Medical Malpractice against Psychiatrist

Types of Psychiatrist Negligence

Suing for Damages

Discussing Your Case with a Psychiatrist Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Do You Feel You Or A Loved One Have Experienced Medical Malpractice In Georgia?

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