It’s no secret that doctors have lives outside of their practice. Like everyone else, they enjoy spending time with friends, enjoying a few drinks now and then. However, when drinking interferes with their ability to practice medicine, it can be massive trouble for the hospital, the provider, and their patients. You shouldn’t have to suffer alone if you are injured by an intoxicated doctor. Keep reading to learn more about filing a lawsuit with the help of a Harris County, Texas medical malpractice lawyer.
What Happens if an Intoxicated Doctor Practices?
When an intoxicated doctor or other medical professional is on the job, it can hinder their ability to perform medicine. Because alcohol is a depressant, it affects the brain and motor skills, inhibiting the doctor’s skills. Because alcohol impacts the brain’s ability to communicate with the rest of the body, a doctor is likely to make errors during surgy and other procedures.
Similarly, alcohol affects judgment because it lowers activity in the prefrontal cortex. As a result, the ability to make good decisions is impacted, meaning a doctor may not prescribe the correct medication, diagnose an accurate condition, or help further the treatment of a patient. This can lead to significant subsequent injury or the worsening condition of a patient.
Am I Eligible for Compensation for Injuries Sustained by a Doctor Under the Influence?
If you were injured due to the malpractice of a doctor drinking while on the job, you are eligible for financial compensation. Unfortunately, many who suffer from substance abuse issues can mask the effects of the substances, making it more challenging to determine if someone is intoxicated. While addiction is a disease and those who suffer are not inherently bad people, deciding to practice medicine while under the influence should not be remedied with a simple slap on the wrist. Ensuring that doctors who practice while intoxicated are held responsible for their actions that result in injuries are crucial.
If it is proven that the medical professional who cared for you was under the influence of alcohol, you can file a lawsuit against the medical professional and the hospital, if they overlooked the substance abuse.
How Long Do I Have to File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Texas?
As a victim of medical malpractice, you have two years to bring the case to light. However, there is a statute of repose for those who may not have discovered their injury until the statute of limitations has expired. In this instance, the statute of repose in Texas is ten years.
If you suspect you’ve been injured because of an intoxicated doctor, ensuring you contact Davis & Davis, Attorneys at Law, as soon as possible is essential to getting the justice you deserve. Not only will you receive justice, but the negligent doctor will be held responsible, helping keep other innocent and unsuspecting patients safe from sustained injuries.