Oftentimes, the fate of a medical malpractice case that goes before a jury hinges on the testimony that is part of the case. The person who is seeking compensation will usually rely on medical professionals to testify against the doctor who is blamed for the malpractice. That, however, doesn't always work out in the way that it should.
Some doctors have a train of thought that doctors should protect each other when it comes to these types of issues. That is why it isn't too shocking to hear that doctors sometimes lie for their colleagues. What is interesting in a story that recently came to light is that the doctor who lied in a malpractice case is admitting that he lied and he notes that lying, even to protect a colleague, goes against the professionalism pledges that doctors take.
That doctor is now retired and works with the attorney who represented the medical malpractice victim that was involved in the case he lied during. Ultimately, the jury found in favor of the doctor who was accused of malpractice. The doctor who lied says that he is haunted by the decision he made to lie and that he isn't sure how much his lie impacted the case.
Sadly, the behavior of the doctor is something that is commonplace in these cases. This can make it difficult for patients who are trying to get compensation for the injuries they suffered. It is also a good reason to work with someone who has the integrity needed to stand up against the wrongdoings of other medical professionals.
Source: NPR, "Doctor Confesses: I Lied To Protect Colleague In Malpractice Suit," Marshall Allen, Sep. 23, 2016
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