TOLL FREE: 888-457-1147 | LOCAL: 216-241-1901

Physician Malpractice: A Doctor’s Duty of Care in Cleveland (Part B)

Patient Abandonment as Malpractice in Medical Ohio Facilities

One violation of a doctor's duty of care is known as patient abandonment. This is when a doctor makes an intentional decision not to provide care or treatment to a patient. It could lead to the patient filing a physician malpractice claim against the doctor.

If there is any reason that the doctor does not believe he or she can provide further treatment to a patient, they have an obligation to let the patient know. The doctor also must give the patient enough time to find another doctor who can provide medical care.

There are some cases in which patients are not able to pay for their care. This could change the outcome of the circumstances. However, even in this situation, it may still be considered patient abandonment if stopping medical treatment would cause serious harm to the patient. This is where a Cleveland medical malpractice lawyer can help.

How an Emergency Situation Affects Doctor's Duty of Care

While most of the time the relationship between a doctor and patient has already been established, an emergency creates a new situation. For instance, if a patient visits the emergency room for care, although the doctor who treats him or her may not be the patient's regular doctor, a duty of care is still expected.

Once the emergency room doctor decides to provide care, such as performing a diagnostic test or surgery, a relationship is automatically established. The ER doctor must continue treatment using reasonable care. If not, he or she could also be held liable through a physician malpractice claim.

There could be certain types of situations where doctor duty of care may be refused. Religious beliefs could be one factor. However, because this type of situation can become very complicated, it is always best to seek legal counsel. Contact a Cleveland medical malpractice lawyer if you need help determining the legitimacy of a physician malpractice claim.

Contacting a Cleveland Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Do you have questions about physician malpractice in a medical Ohio facility? Before you hire a Cleveland medical malpractice lawyer, order our FREE Ohio medical malpractice guide to learn about your rights and options for legal resource in the event of a doctor or hospital’s mistake. To schedule a FREE consultation or learn more about your rights, contact the Cleveland medical malpractice lawyer team at Mellino Robenalt LLC today – 1-216-241-1901 or 1-888-457-1147.