Doctor accused malpractice could permanently lose license

Many residents of Pittsburgh turn to medical professionals in their darkest hours. For some it may be to get a second opinion after being diagnosed with cancer; for others, it may be to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. Most of the physicians in Pennsylvania have the necessary credentials and have been thoroughly vetted by the health board. Sadly, however, just because they have a medical license hanging on the wall behind them doesn’t mean that they can be trusted. There will still be a few incompetent doctors who make surgical errors, defraud their patients or commit some other form of medical malpractice.

A doctor who, until recently, was operating abortion clinics in Pennsylvania could have his medical license permanently revoked because of his negligence. He is accused of defrauding patients and endangering their lives. The man still has offices three other states, including New Jersey, where he is accused of performing late-term abortions and surgically removing fetuses. An investigation there was ramped up after a woman who sustained a serious injury during a botched surgery withdrew her malpractice lawsuit against the man. She testified to a judge that her lawyer learned that the doctor did not have any malpractice insurance. During a suspension hearing three years ago, the doctor testified that he had malpractice insurance and even went so far as to produce payment records for the policy. State prosecutors argue that the company that reportedly carried his policy has not issued any insurance policies since 2006.

Those who have suffered organ damage or any other serious injury because of a doctor’s improper use of medical equipment or other negligence may want to speak with an attorney regarding their legal rights. Medical malpractice lawsuits are about more than money; they are also about exposing doctors who could potentially injure more people.

Source: Philly.com, “Abortion provider lied about insurance, N.J. prosecutors say,” Dec. 4, 2013.