Ottenwess Law Detroit Michigan Healthcare Law Lawyer | Oakland County Healthcare Litigation Lawyer | Public Utilities2026-09-30T14:32:46Zhttps://www.ottenwesslaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1605259/2021/12/cropped-Favicon-1-1-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Ottenwess Law<![CDATA[Ottenwess Law Congratulates Attorneys On Inclusion In 2026 Michigan Legal 250]]>https://www.ottenwesslaw.com/?p=511162026-09-28T16:24:44Z2026-09-28T16:24:26Z
Ottenwess Law, PLC congratulates David Ottenwess and Eric Ramar for being selected for inclusion in the 2026 “Michigan Legal 250” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
This recognition honors the most influential and accomplished attorneys across Michigan making a real difference in their specific practice areas. David and Eric’s inclusion is a testament to their years of outstanding work, unwavering dedication, and commitment to achieving the best possible results for their healthcare clients.
Congratulations, David and Eric, on this well-deserved recognition!]]>On Behalf of Ottenwess Law<![CDATA[Ottenwess Law Congratulates Attorneys On 2027 Best Lawyers® Recognition]]>https://www.ottenwesslaw.com/?p=510762026-09-21T16:00:46Z2026-09-21T16:00:46ZOttenwess Law, PLC is honored to announce David Ottenwess, John Monnich Sr., Jeff Feikens and Eric Ramar have been recognized as 2027 Best Lawyers in America.
]]>On Behalf of Ottenwess Law<![CDATA[Ottenwess Law announces 2026 Michigan Super Lawyers honorees]]>https://www.ottenwesslaw.com/?p=510662026-09-21T15:57:34Z2026-08-28T17:28:55Z
Founding Partner David Ottenwess has been named in the category of Medical Malpractice – Defense. David has been listed in Michigan Super Lawyers since 2007.
Managing Partner Stephanie Ottenwess has been named to the Michigan Super Lawyers list in the area of Health Care Law for the fourth consecutive year.
John Monnich, Sr., of counsel, has been selected to the Michigan Super Lawyers list as well, an honor he as received since 2006. He was listed in the category of Insurance Coverage.
Eric Ramar has been selected to the 2026 Michigan Rising Stars list in the area of Medical Malpractice – Defense. He has been named to the list annually since 2022.
Ottenwess Law’s recurring appearance on the Michigan Super Lawyers list continues to be a testament to our specialized skills in Medical Malpractice – Defense, Health Care Law and Insurance Coverage matters. We are honored to be recognized and thank our peers for their acknowledgement.
About Super Lawyers
Since 1991, Super Lawyers has been a trusted rating service identifying exceptional attorneys across more than 70 practice areas, helping elevate visibility, credibility, and trust within the legal community and among potential clients seeking legal representation. Selections are made annually using a patented multiphase methodology that combines statewide peer nominations, independent research evaluations, and peer reviews, ensuring a credible listing that elevates attorney visibility and trust within the legal community.
Super Lawyers recognizes the top 5% of outstanding lawyers in Michigan who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. To be eligible for the Rising Stars list, which recognizes the top 2.5% of the lawyers, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger, or in practice for 10 years or less.
For more information, go to SuperLawyers.com.
About Ottenwess Law
Celebrating our 29th year in 2026, Ottenwess Law is dedicated to providing high quality individualized legal services to meet the needs of each of our clients. Founded in 1997, Ottenwess Law has stood the test of time and is led by a team of experienced and driven attorneys with proven results and satisfied clients. We have significant experience in healthcare law, medical malpractice defense, insurance coverage and executive employment matters and we look forward to working with you and earning your trust.]]>On Behalf of Ottenwess Law<![CDATA[Can malpractice claims threaten your Michigan license?]]>https://www.ottenwesslaw.com/?p=510082026-07-14T13:43:22Z2026-07-14T13:43:22ZCivil liability does not equal professional misconduct
When a patient files a malpractice lawsuit against you, they are pursuing civil damages in court. If you lose or settle the case, you may face financial consequences such as paying compensation to the injured party. This is civil liability.
Professional misconduct is different. The Michigan Board of Medicine evaluates whether your actions violated professional standards or demonstrated incompetence. A civil court finding you financially responsible does not automatically mean the board will find you professionally unfit to practice medicine. These are two separate processes with different standards and outcomes.
However, the circumstances of a malpractice case could still trigger a board investigation into your professional conduct. If the board determines that your conduct was negligent, reckless or harmful to patient safety, you could face disciplinary action. This might range from a reprimand to suspension. They could even revoke your license.
Michigan's mandatory reporting requirements
Michigan law requires certain malpractice-related events to be reported to the licensing board. Under Michigan law, court clerks and insurance providers, rather than individual physicians, are required to report civil malpractice judgments and settlements to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, regardless of monetary threshold. Insurance companies and courts also have reporting obligations.
These reports do not guarantee disciplinary action, but they alert the board to possible problems. Once the board knows about a case, it may start looking into what happened. Even if you think the lawsuit had no merit or you settled to avoid trouble, the board will still look at the facts.
Not reporting when you should could be a violation on its own and may lead to more penalties. Following the reporting rules is important for protecting your license.
Securing your professional future
While a malpractice claim does not automatically take away your license, it can lead to a closer look from the Michigan Board of Medicine. The risk goes beyond money. Your entire career could be at stake.
Consider working with a defense attorney who understands both civil malpractice litigation and administrative licensing law. This combined knowledge can help you handle settlement talks while protecting your license. You deserve a lawyer who understands what is really at risk and fights for your future in medicine.]]>On Behalf of Ottenwess Law<![CDATA[Jack Ottenwess received award from Michigan Defense Trial Counsel]]>https://www.ottenwesslaw.com/?p=509422026-03-17T04:55:06Z2026-03-17T04:55:06ZWe're proud to announce the recipient of the 2026 President's Special Recognition Award: Jack Ottenwess from Ottenwess Law, PLC for recognition of his extraordinary contributions to civil litigation.]]>On Behalf of Ottenwess Law<![CDATA[Ottenwess Law Firm Welcomes Accomplished Medical Litigation Attorney Eric T. Ramar]]>https://www.ottenwesslaw.com/?p=501412025-03-31T14:41:36Z2025-03-31T14:41:36ZBest Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ for Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants from 2023 to 2025, and has been named to the Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Stars list from 2022 through 2025. In 2022, Michigan Lawyers Weekly honored him as an “Up & Coming Lawyer,” recognizing his growing influence and established presence in the legal community.
A respected voice in the legal community, Eric has delivered presentations on litigation strategy, medical documentation, and trial preparation at industry-leading seminars and institutions. He is actively involved with ALFA International, serving on the Professional Liability Practice Group Steering Committee, and participates in its International Practice Group and Future Leaders Forum. He is also a member of the State Bar of Michigan’s Negligence Law and Litigation Sections.
Eric’s addition to the Ottenwess Law Firm marks a continued investment in excellence, deepening the Firm’s bench of accomplished litigators committed to defending healthcare professionals with integrity, insight, and tenacity. His proven track record and leadership experience will further complement and enhance the exceptional talent within the Firm.
Please join us in welcoming Eric to Ottenwess Law.]]>On Behalf of Ottenwess Law<![CDATA[John “Jack” Ottenwess Appointed Co-Chair of MDTC Professional Liability & Health Care Section]]>https://www.ottenwesslaw.com/?p=500912024-11-15T04:28:44Z2024-11-15T04:28:44Z
Participating in MDTC board meetings and providing updates on section progress.
Contributing to publications for the Michigan Defense Quarterly each year.
Offering relevant topics, speakers, and presentations for MDTC’s Summer and Winter Conferences.
Organizing webinars specific to the section’s focus.
Connecting and interacting with new MDTC members at the annual orientation session.
Engaging and growing membership in MDTC.
Recommending resources for the MDTC Board in the area of professional liability and health care.
The MDTC president appoints co-chairs to oversee section activities, ensuring vibrant programming and member engagement. Jack’s leadership will undoubtedly enhance the section’s contributions to the MDTC community and beyond.
Please join us in congratulating Jack Ottenwess on this well-deserved appointment!]]>On Behalf of Ottenwess Law<![CDATA[OTTENWESS LAW IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE JOHN R. OTTENWESS HAS JOINED OUR TEAM]]>https://www.ottenwesslaw.com/?p=500082024-03-25T20:17:34Z2024-03-25T20:16:47ZClick here to view John's bio.]]>On Behalf of Ottenwess Law<![CDATA[Why a Health Professional Recovery Program participant needs legal support]]>https://www.ottenwesslaw.com/?p=499652024-02-27T06:02:55Z2024-03-01T06:00:11Zsubstance abuse or mental health disorders that will make them impaired in their medical practice.
The Health Professional Recovery Program (HPRP) of Michigan seeks to help such health professionals so that they won’t commit medical malpractice. The confidential program treats, cares for and monitors participants as they aim to bounce back and practice again.
Legal advice for signing agreements
As confidentiality is at the core of HPRP, proper legal advice will help when it comes to agreeing to the terms of the program. An attorney can guide you throughout the stages of the HPRP journey:
Referral process: If you did not self-refer, you need to confirm if a licensed health professional, health licensing board or the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (DLRA) did the referral. The HPRP should not accept confidential or anonymous referrals.
Evaluation: The referred practitioner needs to undergo evaluation for the HPRP to know their condition and determine if they’re eligible to join the program. Evaluators must be qualified professionals.
Safety agreement phase: Before the completion of the monitoring agreement, the HPRP may offer a safety agreement. The temporary contract requires a participant to abstain from substances and submit to random drug tests. The contract’s validity should not exceed 60 days.
Treatments and monitoring: The participant and HPRP will enter into a monitoring agreement that lasts from one to three years. The contract should give details on the treatments, random drug tests, therapies, reporting schedules, medical supervision and limits on their medical practice.
Completion and release: Once the participant completes the monitoring agreement, the HPRP must commit to destroy their records after five years unless readmission happens.
There’s also a need to check the exceptions to confidentiality. The HPRP will inform the DLRA whenever participants don’t comply or become threats to public health or safety. If a board disciplinary order requires a practitioner to join the HPRP, the order becomes public but the participant’s personal information must remain private unless reversed by a court order.
The road to recovery
Although health professionals should always be ready to provide care and treatment, they shouldn’t feel inadequate when they become patients who need to get well from impairments. Your healing journey may be tough, but getting legal help before signing anything may ensure a smooth road towards recovery.]]>On Behalf of Ottenwess Law<![CDATA[Common types of healthcare fraud]]>https://www.ottenwesslaw.com/?p=499622024-02-09T05:14:21Z2024-02-14T05:14:07Zcommon types of healthcare fraud is crucial for effectively preventing and combating these fraudulent activities.
Billing fraud
Billing fraud is one of the most prevalent types of healthcare fraud. It involves intentionally billing for services that were not provided or billing for more expensive services than those actually rendered. Common examples include:
Upcoding: Charging for a more expensive service than what was provided.
Phantom billing: Billing for services or procedures that were never performed.
Unbundling: Billing separately for services that should be billed together as a package deal.
Prescription fraud: Occurs when providers unlawfully obtain prescription drugs or submit false claims for reimbursement.
By contrast, kickbacks involve offering or receiving incentives in exchange for patient referrals or purchasing medical services or supplies. A self-referral is when a doctor refers their patient to a service provider or facility they have a financial interest in. Both practices are illegal and can lead to compromised patient care and inflated costs.
Medicare fraud
Medicare fraud specifically targets the Medicare program, which provides health insurance for individuals aged 65 and older. Common schemes include:
Phantom Billing for Medicare services.
Fraudulent Medicare claims for unnecessary medical equipment or services.
Medicare Identity Theft: Using stolen Medicare information to submit fraudulent claims.
Healthcare fraud undermines the integrity of the healthcare system, wastes resources and jeopardizes patient safety. Recognizing the common types of healthcare fraud is essential for implementing effective prevention and detection strategies to safeguard patients and the healthcare system alike.]]>
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