A Knoxville dental provider has agreed to pay nearly $1 million to resolve a lawsuit that alleged the company submitted false claims to TennCare, put patients in danger, and violated the False Claims Act. A former employee of the dental provider Premier Dental Group filed the lawsuit. The employee alleged that the company routinely submitted false claims to TennCare for payment for services that were not provided, were unnecessary, or were performed by unqualified staff.
The lawsuit also alleged that Premier Dental Group of Knoxville put patients in danger by overtreating them, not properly sedating them, and using unqualified staff. In addition to the allegations of fraud and malpractice, the lawsuit also alleged that Premier Dental Group of Knoxville violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting false claims to TennCare. The False Claims Act is a law that forbids individuals as well as companies from deliberately filing and submitting false claims.
Premier Dental Group of Knoxville vehemently denied the allegations. However, the company has agreed to pay a settlement of $985,541 to resolve the lawsuit. The settlement will be used to compensate patients who were harmed by the company’s practices and to pay the government for the False Claims Act violation. The settlement agreement includes no determination of liability.
The settlement is part of an ongoing effort by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat fraud in the healthcare system. In 2022, the DOJ recovered over $5.6 billion in civil and criminal settlements and judgments related to healthcare fraud. Patients who suspect that they were harmed by Premier Dental Group of Knoxville are encouraged to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee.
Signs Of Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare professionals fail to provide the standard of care, leading to patient harm. As a Memphis, TN medical malpractice lawyer like one from Darrell Castle & Associates can explain, medical malpractice can occur when professionals fail to provide patients an acceptable standard of care, resulting in harm done to them. Signs might include unexpected complications not linked to the known risks of a procedure, a diagnosis that doesn’t match symptoms or is dramatically different from another doctor’s opinion, and unexplained or prolonged pain after a medical procedure. Discrepancies in medical records or a direct admission of a mistake by a healthcare provider are also potential indicators.
Damages In A Medical Malpractice Case
There are many areas that damages for medical malpractice can cover. Economic damages cover tangible losses like medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages pertain to intangible harms, such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish exceptionally negligent practitioners and deter similar conduct. It’s essential to understand which damages might be applicable in each unique case to ensure proper compensation.
Why Hire A Lawyer
Engaging a lawyer in a medical malpractice case is crucial. These cases are complex, requiring expertise in both legal and medical fields. A knowledgeable attorney can navigate the intricacies of the legal system, work with medical experts, and ensure evidence is properly presented. Furthermore, lawyers advocate fiercely for clients, negotiating with insurance companies and opposing counsel to ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve. Set up a consultation with a qualified lawyer if you are interested in filing a medical malpractice claim.