Lawsuits

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I was recently involved in an investigation due to serious allegations made by a patient. I was cleared by the hospital bc they have evidence that doesn't support the patients allegations. However, the patient stated a lawsuit will still be filed. As of now, I am in a unstable emotional state, and never would had thought that something like this would happen to me. I just don't know where to go from now, I am seeking counseling and back on medications for anxiety. Any advice would be nice.

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Lawyer up. Best wishes!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Notify your and they will guide you. Hopefully it won't come to fruition and you can go on about your business putting this behind you.

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Agree with the above, although I might add that until the patient actually files suit there might be little cause for worry. Patient's can threaten to sue you as much as they want, but they have to find a lawyer to take the case. If you are truly concerned, you might want to speak with someone in your risk management department.

And I would suggest that you not discuss this any further than you already have.

Best wishes as you work through this.

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Specializes in Healthcare risk management and liability.

If I had a nickel for every time a patient threatened a lawsuit, I would be flying around in a snazzy jumpsuit with my personal flying jetpack. As it is, I am firmly Earth-bound. Most of the time, they are either just venting their spleen or trying to manipulate or trigger an emotional response out of the provider. Don't worry about a thing until and unless you get a call from your risk manager. Be sure to relay the patient's statements in this regard to the risk manager so they can make a note in the file. Send me a PM if you wish.

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Do not worry about this until you are served with papers. It's not like you are required to go to court the next day. It's the patient's job to prove their claim and lawyers will not take your case for free unless you have substantial proof that they can win. The hospital is unlikely to settle if their own investigation shows you are in the clear.

Patients threaten to sue all the time, it doesn't mean they will. If a lawyer will not take the case for free, it costs thousands to retain one.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

If your hospital cleared you & your documentation covers your behind, I wouldn't be worried.

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