Health care providers are legally obligated in every state not to abandon a patient, even if they don’t like the patient or don’t agree with the patient’s treatment choices. Doctors and hospitals must continue treatment of a patient until the care can be transferred safely to a new doctor.
Abandonment can happen even if the doctor makes no deliberate choice to drop the patient. If the doctor goes on vacation or takes a break or goes “off line” without having a backup replacement lined up, that can amount to legal abandonment. And if the patient is hurt or injured during the time the doctor is absent or unavailable, the patient may have a viable medical malpractice claim.
Patient safety tip to Prevent Abandonment
If you’re planning elective surgery, MAKE SURE the surgeon is not leaving on vacation immediately after your case. You want someone who saw your insides and knows your case to be around for the crucial two or three days of post-operative care.
Consult with an Experienced Malpractice Attorney
If you believe you or a family member has been seriously injured from medical malpractice, medical error, or neglect by a doctor, hospital, nurse, clinic, nursing home or other health care provider, you may want to click here to contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney for a free evaluation of your case. You can also email us at info@patrickmalonelaw.com or call us at 202-742-1500 or 888-625-6635 toll-free. We will respond within 24 hours. There is no charge for our initial consultation.
