Understanding Negligent Referrals: Your Rights and Remedies

Published on
August 19, 2024
Understanding Negligent Referrals: Your Rights and Remedies
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When you seek medical help, especially for specialized care, you trust your primary care doctor to guide you to the right specialist. These specialists, due to their targeted training and experience, are expected to provide the highest standard of care. However, if a doctor fails to make the necessary referral, or worse, refers you to an inappropriate specialist, this can lead to delayed treatment and increase your risk of further injury. This is known as a negligent referral.

Peck Trial Attorneys, under the leadership of John Peck, specializes in handling cases where negligent referrals have caused significant harm. Our Boston-based team, with decades of combined experience in medical malpractice, provides award-winning representation to ensure victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve. If you've been impacted by a negligent referral, we invite you to discuss your case with us. Contact us at 857-557-7325 or visit our office at 77 Franklin Street, Fourth Floor, Boston, MA 02110 for a free consultation.

Types of Negligent Referrals and Your Legal Options

Improper Specialist Referrals

Sometimes, primary care doctors may not refer a patient to the correct type of specialist. This can be particularly dangerous, leading to improper or delayed treatment. Such errors in judgment may qualify as medical malpractice, especially if the doctor deviated from accepted medical standards.

Failure to Refer

There are various reasons a doctor might fail to refer a patient to a specialist, such as oversight, distraction, or a misdiagnosis. If your doctor did not refer you when it was necessary for your condition, this could be considered negligence.

When is a Medical Referral Considered Negligent?

Negligence in medical referrals can be identified if the following elements are present:

  • There was an established doctor-patient relationship.
  • The doctor owed a duty of care to the patient.
  • There was a breach of this duty through a negligent act, such as an inappropriate or omitted referral.
  • This breach directly caused injury to the patient.
  • The patient incurred losses due to this injury.

At Peck Trial Attorneys, we understand the critical nature of these cases. John Peck and our team are dedicated to providing thorough and compassionate legal representation, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the claim process.

Get the Right Legal Help for Negligent Referral Cases

If you suspect that you've been a victim of a negligent referral, it's crucial to seek expert legal assistance. Peck Trial Attorneys is well-equipped to handle the complexities of medical malpractice cases in Massachusetts. We'll work diligently to build a strong case on your behalf, aiming for the best possible outcome.

Contact Peck Trial Attorneys today at 857-557-7325 or stop by our Boston office at 77 Franklin Street, Fourth Floor. We offer free consultations to help you understand your legal options and start on the path to recovery.