Can I Sue a Doctor for Falsifying Medical Records?

The Consequences of Medical Record Falsification

Your medical records are private legal documents — and there are laws in place to keep you protected against third parties from obtaining your medical information. While the law may protect your medical privacy, it may not stop doctors or other medical professionals from altering medical charts, treatment information, and other medical reports relating to your health status.

Altering medical information and documentation is a felony crime, so you may wonder, “why would a doctor or other healthcare provider alter medical records?” Here’s why.

Covering Up Medical Negligence

There can only be one good reason for medical professionals to falsify records — and that is to cover up negligence and medical malpractice. However, since many individuals could have their hand in creating medical documents, such as nurses or other attending medical staff, attempting to alter documents can be a challenging feat.

In addition, most medical records are kept electronically, as well. To detect falsified medical documents, it’s necessary to enlist the help of a forensic expert who will check the accuracy of medical records and look at ink differences, page depressions, and other analyses.

Your Rights to a Civil Suit

You may be able to sue for negligence if your medical documentation has been falsified and you suffered harm. If your documents were altered to cover up a doctor’s error that resulted in a serious injury, for example, you may have the right to pursue a civil case. The Beasley firm has extensive experience in identifying and prosecuting claims involving altered or falsified medical records.

In a civil suit, you may be entitled to the following compensatory damages:

• Cost of medical care
• Loss of income
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment
• Loss of consortium (the impact on the relationship with a spouse)

You may also be entitled to punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages are awarded to an injured plaintiff to punish the defendant for egregious conduct and actions.

Injured by a Medical Professional? Contact Us for Help.

If you or a loved one were injured due to medical negligence, you have the right to seek justice and receive compensation. The Beasley Firm, LLC has secured record-breaking settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients, and we want to help you too.

Contact our medical malpractice attorneys for a free consultation.