Following up on my entry on the strain in doctor-patient relations, it seems that medical institutions have decided to play hard-ball with their patients over medical malpractice suits. In one case in Wichita, a clinic has severed relationships with patients who file medical malpractice suits, even though there was no accusation of hospital malpractice. Thus, if a patient files a suit against one of the doctors, then the other 100+ physicians refuse to treat them as well. The practice is not common, but if it is adopted, it can serve as one of the worst forms of intimidation, especially in small communities where care providers might be limited.
Most recently, the Wichita Clinic barred its 12 locations from serving the family of a Wichita police officer who filed a lawsuit after she suffered a life-threatening punctured artery during surgery. Because of the special relationship the Wichita Clinic shared with the city of Wichita, the officer’s insurance limited her to treatment at the Clinic. Therefore, as a result of the action, she and her family were without medical care for six weeks before accommodation could be made.
Although physicians are allowed to choose who they wish to treat, and to refuse continuing to treat patients for any reason, this action is by the clinic and not by any individual physician. Furthermore, it seems an attempt by the medical community to increase its already considerable bargaining power by giving plaintiffs a reason not to litigate in the first place, even if they have a legitimate case, as did the police officer, who was awarded $140,000 by a Sedgwick County jury. Such actions serve no one but the medical community, and not as a medical community, but as a business community, seeking to protect its own financial well-being rather than its patients health.
But if you have been hurt by the negligence of a doctor, do not fear to file your surgical malpractice suit. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer can look after your interests and make sure you do not suffer any more at the hands of the hospital or clinic. If you or someone you love is seeking recourse for medical malpractice in the Phoenix, Arizona area, contact the experienced medical malpractice lawyers at Snyder & Wenner, P.C. today.
