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Kentucky Inebriated Medical Professionals Lawyers
We’re here to help when you suffer injury due to an intoxicated doctor
When you go to the hospital or a doctor’s office, you expect to be treated by a medical professional who is focused, alert, and completely committed to your care. You put your trust (and sometimes your life) in their hands. But what happens when this trust is broken and the person treating you is drunk, high, or otherwise impaired? Unfortunately, this isn’t just a nightmare scenario. Across the country, there have been real cases where doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists, or other medical professionals performed their duties under the influence of drugs or alcohol. And when this happens, the consequences can be devastating.
At Crandall & Pera Law, we fight for patients who have been injured by inebriated medical professionals. If you or someone you love was harmed by a doctor who was intoxicated while on the job, you may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. And we’re here to help.
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Table of Contents
- Why is intoxication in the medical field so dangerous to Kentucky patients?
- What does “inebriated” mean in a Kentucky legal case?
- How do I know if my Kentucky doctor was intoxicated?
- How does an inebriated medical professional lead to medical malpractice?
- Why would a hospital let an inebriated medical professional work?
- How much is my Kentucky inebriated medical professionals case worth?
- How can Crandall & Pera Law help with my Kentucky inebriated medical professionals case?
- How long do I have to file for medical malpractice in Kentucky?
- Do you have a Kentucky inebriated medical professionals lawyer near me?
Why is intoxication in the medical field so dangerous to Kentucky patients?
The AMA Journal of Ethics reports:
It is estimated that approximately 6 percent of physicians have drug use disorders and that 14 percent have an alcohol use disorder---figures that mirror addiction in the general population.
But considering the degree of responsibility entrusted in doctors, this significant number of impaired physicians is cause for concern. Patterns of use vary but, in general, alcohol is most commonly misused, followed by opioids and cocaine. Anesthesiologists and emergency room doctors are 3 times more likely to abuse substances than the general population of physicians.
We hold doctors to a higher standard for a reason. When a doctor or nurse makes a mistake, the outcome can be life-altering or even life-ending. That’s why it’s so shocking to learn that some medical professionals choose to work while drunk, high, or affected by prescription medications.
These are people who:
- Perform surgeries
- Administer anesthesia
- Deliver babies
- Write prescriptions
- Make life-and-death decisions
Imagine what can go wrong when those tasks are handled by someone who is impaired. And yet, cases of drug diversion (stealing hospital drugs), alcohol abuse, and addiction in the healthcare profession are more common than many people think.
What does “inebriated” mean in a Kentucky legal case?
When we say a medical professional was “inebriated,” we mean that they were under the influence of something that affected their ability to perform their job safely. This could include:
- Alcohol
- Illegal drugs (like cocaine, heroin, or meth)
- Prescription drugs (like opioids, sedatives, or stimulants)
- Over-the-counter medications used improperly
- Impairing substances like sleep aids or anti-anxiety medications
Being impaired in any of these ways can slow down reaction times, cloud judgment, or cause someone to make a dangerous mistake. And, in a hospital setting, even a small error can claim a life.
How do I know if my Kentucky doctor was intoxicated?
The majority of patients don’t see what’s happening behind the scenes at a hospital or surgical center. You might not know your doctor was impaired at the time, but the signs could show up later when something goes wrong. Some signs that a doctor or nurse may have been intoxicated include:
- Slurred speech or bloodshot eyes during your appointment
- Erratic or inappropriate behavior
- Delayed response times during emergencies
- Unexplained surgical errors or complications
- Incorrect prescriptions or dosages
- Forgetfulness or confusion during your care
- Being told later that your provider was fired or is under investigation
Often, a hospital will try to cover up the behavior or quietly remove the medical professional involved. That’s why it’s so important to talk to an experienced Kentucky medical malpractice lawyer if you think something wasn’t right about your care.
How does an inebriated medical professional lead to medical malpractice?
Doctors and nurses have a legal duty to provide you with competent, safe, and professional care. When they fail in that duty, especially by showing up to work drunk or high, they can be held legally responsible. In Kentucky, this behavior can fall under medical malpractice, which means the doctor, nurse, or healthcare facility can be sued for:
- Negligence
- Reckless endangerment
- Breach of duty
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Medical costs and other financial damages
In some cases, the hospital or medical group can also be held responsible for failing to supervise or discipline the impaired staff member.
Why would a hospital let an inebriated medical professional work?
You might wonder how this could even happen. Wouldn’t someone notice if a doctor was intoxicated? Unfortunately, hospitals don’t always do enough to stop it. In some cases, there may be:
- Lack of proper drug testing
- Poor supervision or management
- A culture of cover-ups or silence
- Fear of lawsuits or reputational damage
- Fellow doctors who don’t want to report a colleague
This is completely unacceptable. When a hospital knows (or should have known) that one of its staff is working while intoxicated and doesn’t act, they can be just as liable as the individual who caused the harm.
How much is my Kentucky inebriated medical professionals case worth?
When you file a Kentucky medical malpractice lawsuit, you’re not just asking for money. You’re asking for accountability. However, we work to ensure you get compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses, like hospital bills, treatments, and rehabilitation
- Future medical needs
- Lost wages or reduced ability to work
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Wrongful death, if you lost a loved one due to a medical mistake
In some cases, we may also pursue punitive damages, which are extra compensation meant to punish especially egregious or reckless behavior.
How can Crandall & Pera Law help with my Kentucky inebriated medical professionals case?
If you or a loved one was hurt by a doctor, nurse, or healthcare worker who was under the influence, you deserve answers. At Crandall & Pera Law, we have experience holding medical professionals and hospitals responsible. Here’s what we can do:
- We dig into your medical records, hospital staffing, and treatment notes. We look for red flags that could indicate intoxication or impaired care.
- We bring in expert medical professionals who can review your case and explain how and why the care you received was below standard.
- Was it just the doctor, or was the hospital also at fault? We work to find every party that contributed to your injury.
- We fight for the full amount of damages you’re owed. This includes your medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
- You don’t have to go up against big hospitals and insurance companies alone. We stand by your side – every step of the way.
How long do I have to file for medical malpractice in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, you generally have one year from the date of injury (or when you discovered the injury) to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to take legal action. That’s why it’s so important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. The earlier we can get started, the better we can protect your case and your rights.
Do you have a Kentucky inebriated medical professionals lawyer near me?
Crandall & Pera Law is located at 201 E. Main Street, Suite 530 in Lexington, Kentucky. We are happy to meet with you at our offices. If you are unable to come to us, we can make other arrangements, like visiting you in the hospital or setting up a virtual online meeting.
Get in touch with our Kentucky inebriated medical professionals attorneys now
At Crandall & Pera Law, we believe in fighting for people who’ve been harmed by the professionals who were supposed to help them. Doctors and hospitals should never be allowed to put patients at risk by letting intoxicated staff care for others. If you’ve been injured because of a drunk, high, or impaired medical professional, get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation. We’re prepared to listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options. Let us help you hold them accountable and get the justice you deserve. Please call us or complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation.