Professional Liability And Medical Malpractice Defense Attorneys In Michigan

Professional liability claims, often known as malpractice claims, represent one of the most serious threats to a professional’s career and reputation. Whether you are a healthcare provider or other licensed professional, these allegations can arise from complex regulatory compliance issues, unforeseen client outcomes or simple miscommunications.

The attorneys at Ottenwess Law have over 150 combined years of experience in medical malpractice defense, representing large hospital systems, professional liability companies, healthcare providers and even dental health professionals. We provide aggressive, strategic defense and litigation management, acting quickly to protect your license and livelihood.

Fighting Medical Malpractice Claims In Michigan

We are a team of experienced trial lawyers who each have a reputation for our strong negotiation skills and zealous advocacy in the courtroom. Three of the firm’s members have “first chaired” a combined 130 jury trials, the vast majority involving defending healthcare providers in Michigan.

Ottenwess Law has a reputation for successfully handling complex and high-exposure medical malpractice cases. The attorneys always have the client’s goals in mind and are experienced in finding original solutions and strategizing creative settlements when necessary. We embrace the evolving tactics of litigation and employ every tool to defend our clients.

In addition to providing the highest quality legal defense, our attorneys work with two registered nurse paralegals that we have on staff, along with a retained retired physician to provide a thorough medical analysis of your case.

We will pull out all the stops for every client in every matter.

A Closer Look At Our Medical Malpractice Defense Services

Professional liability cases are often high-stakes and public. Our legal team acts as a gatekeeper, minimizing negative exposure and working quickly to resolve matters, thereby preserving your hard-earned credibility and protecting your commercial interests.

We understand that these cases hinge on expert testimony regarding complex industry standards. Our experienced medical malpractice defense lawyers have immediate access to the necessary network of professionals with the relevant technical knowledge.

Knowing that a professional’s entire career and license are at risk, we provide both the aggressive courtroom advocacy and the sensitive, discreet counseling needed to navigate the personal and financial turmoil of a liability claim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Professional Liability Claims In Michigan

Michigan healthcare providers facing a malpractice claim often ask about deadlines, licensing and hospital privileges. Here are answers to three common questions.

What is the deadline for a patient to file a professional liability lawsuit in Michigan? 

In most cases, a patient has two years from the alleged act or omission to file a medical malpractice or other professional liability lawsuit. If the problem could not reasonably have been found within two years, the patient has six months from when it was or should have been discovered.

Most medical malpractice claims are also barred six years after the act or omission, with limited exceptions. A required notice of intent, served before suing, can pause the deadline during its 182-day waiting period.

Does a professional liability claim automatically lead to a state licensing investigation in Michigan? 

No. Receiving a notice of intent or being named in a lawsuit does not, by itself, start a state investigation. Reporting obligations arise when a claim is resolved with a payment or ruling. These outcomes must be reported to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA):

• Judgments: A judgment entered against the provider after trial is reportable.
• Settlements: A payment by the provider or an insurer to resolve the claim is reportable.
• Arbitration awards: An award from binding arbitration is reportable on the same basis.

LARA’s Bureau of Professional Licensing then reviews the report and decides whether to investigate the provider’s fitness to practice.

How can a malpractice settlement affect my clinical privileges at Detroit-area hospitals? 

A settlement will likely prompt closer review of your application, because hospitals see it when they check the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). Federal law requires any payment made on a practitioner’s behalf to resolve a malpractice claim to be reported, even when the settlement includes no admission of fault.

Detroit-area health systems query the NPDB when granting clinical privileges and at least every two years when renewing them. A reported settlement typically leads the credentialing committee to request details about the allegations, the care involved and how the claim was resolved.

Protect Your Reputation With The Help Of Our Experienced Professional Liability Attorneys

Contact us today and defend against medical malpractice claims in Michigan. Call us at 313-965-2121 or fill out our online contact form.