A California doctor who became the subject of multiple medical board investigations has voluntarily surrendered his medical license and has been named as a defendant in a lawsuit alleging that he was responsible for the stillborn death of an infant two years ago.
The doctor’s troubles began five years ago, when the medical Board of California began to investigate him. The investigation was in connection with incidents connected to seven patients whom the doctor had treated, and eventually led to accusations against him of failing to tell the truth, repeated negligence including gross negligence, and improper prescribing of medications.
As a result of the investigation, the doctor accepted the suspension of 60 days conjunction with a probationary period of seven years. But within two months of having these penalties assessed against him, the doctor became involved in another incident in which a couple accused of being responsible for their child’s death during delivery. This new accusation led to a renewed suspension and another investigation by the medical board.
The doctor ultimately accepted charges by the medical board that he was responsible for the stillborn death as a result of incompetence, unprofessional conduct and gross negligence. He also surrendered his California medical license.
The couple whose infant died as a result of the alleged acts of malpractice on the part of the doctor has since filed a lawsuit against him. Despite his apparent accepted responsibility before the medical board for the infant’s death, he has denied such responsibility his answer to the complaint. Complicating the lawsuit is the fact that the doctor was carrying no medical malpractice insurance and has filed for personal bankruptcy.
The significance of this story lies in its demonstration that simply because the Medical Board of California is investigating a physician is no guarantee that he or she will not become involved in other incidents of alleged medical malpractice or even wrongful death. Those believing that they have been the victims of such malpractice should take their own initiative in consulting with a legal professional.
Source: NBC San Diego, “Couple Who Lost Baby to Protest Birth Center,” Paul Krueger, Sept. 25, 2014
