Can you file a medical malpractice claim for psychiatric harm?

Did you know that psychiatrists are also medical doctors? Although they specialize in mental health, they have undergone extensive medical training and education. That means that they can be held accountable for their wrongdoing in a medical malpractice claim.

Psychiatrists have much influence over troubled patients. The wrong counsel or violations of trust are the basis for many malpractice claims.

Examples of psychiatrist malpractice

Malpractice in a psychiatric setting can take many forms. For example, if the doctor pursues an intimate or sexual relationship with a patient, it is a form of malpractice. Other examples include:

• Falsifying records
• Threatening patients
• Prescribing improper drugs
• Making an incorrect diagnosis
• Manufacturing false memories
• Failure to prevent patient suicide
• Administering improper treatment
• Not conducting a proper suicide risk evaluation
• Failure to diagnose a potentially harmful mental condition

Like all doctors, psychiatrists must obtain informed consent from patients before prescribing drugs or treatments. When they fail to do so, that can be another basis for malpractice claims.

Those seeking psychiatric help are particularly vulnerable to harm because they are already in a vulnerable place mentally or emotionally. When doctors take advantage of this vulnerability or add to mental suffering, those harmed deserve justice.

Unfortunately, medical malpractice claims built on psychiatrist mistreatment can be challenging. However, victims can prevail in these claims by acting quickly, gathering documented evidence and seeking experienced guidance. Learning more about medical malpractice under Ohio law can also help you get the outcome you hope to obtain.