Like any business, owning a dental practice involves certain risks, including the potential of litigation. Given that lawsuits can be disruptive to your practice and have lasting financial implications, it is essential to consult with an experienced dental practice litigation lawyer.
At Mahan Dental Law, we advise dental professionals around the country about all aspects of practice ownership. Our legal team works to help dentists avoid litigation by establishing effective practice management systems and resolving disputes that may arise through arbitration or mediation. When a dispute requires legal action, we provide our clients with aggressive courtroom representation.
Our trial lawyers have extensive experience prosecuting and defending dental practice litigation and a proven history of achieving positive outcomes at the bargaining table and at trial. Above all, we are committed to protecting the viability of your dental practice and your professional reputation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Protecting Dental Practices Against Litigation
While malpractice is one of the most common types of lawsuits in the dental profession, other types of disputes pose a risk to your practice, including:
- Dental board complaints
- Insurance provider audits
- Employment-related disputes
- Partnership disputes
- Collection disputes
Regardless of the dispute facing you, trust Mahan Dental Law to provide you with strategic representation when you need it most.
Dental Board Complaints
Patients who believe that their dentist has harmed them in some way or violated professional standards may file complaints with the dental board. Such complaints may be based on allegations of illegal activities, the unlicensed practice of dentistry, the use of dangerous or controlled substances, or negligence.
Once a complaint has been filed, the dental board will investigate the claim to determine if it has merit. The investigation process can be lengthy as well as a major inconvenience for the dental practice. More importantly, a dental board that determines disciplinary action is in order has the authority to:
- Impose fines
- Monitor practices
- Suspend/revoke licenses
Because of the potential consequences of a dental board complaint against your practice, it is crucial to have a strong legal defense. We have extensive experience representing dentists in administrative proceedings before dental boards and will make sure your interests are protected.
Insurance Provider Audits
Dental professionals typically sign contracts with insurance providers that require the practice to consent to an audit at any time to ensure that contractual obligations are being met. An insurance audit can be triggered for several reasons, including:
- Inconsistent billing patterns
- A high frequency of certain procedures being performed
- Potentially fraudulent activity
In any event, it is crucial to adhere to applicable regulations and maintain detailed and accurate records so that you are prepared. Ultimately, an insurance audit can lead to reimbursing insurance payouts or even prosecution by state or federal authorities. Our legal team will work closely with you to mitigate any potential audit issues and keep your practice in good standing with your insurance providers.
Employment-related disputes & Litigation
Dental practice owners must comply with federal, state, and local laws regarding employment discrimination, sexual harassment, and fair payment of wages. Our legal team regularly works with dental professionals to mitigate the potential of employment lawsuits by establishing policies and procedures, employment agreements, and employee handbooks that clarify the employment relationship.
When employment-related disputes arise, we look to alternative forms of dispute resolution (e.g. arbitration, mediation) to find solutions, but we are fully prepared to litigate if necessary. We have extensive experience representing clients before the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and in state and federal court.
Partnership Disputes
If your practice is structured as a partnership, it is crucial to memorialize the business relationship through a well-conceived partnership agreement. At Mahan Dental Law, we help our clients avoid ambiguities that can result in disputes by designing contracts that clarify the rights, obligations, and liabilities of the parties.
We also ensure that dental practice partnership agreements include buy-sell provisions that provide for orderly business succession and an exit strategy. In the event that selling is not feasible, we advise dental practices, clinics, and other facilities on partnership dissolutions and wind downs.
Collections
Whether your staff handles billing or it is outsourced to a third-party provider, it is critically important to ensure accounts are not overdue and delinquent accounts are collected. Our firm provides collection services to dental professionals and will work to protect your cash flow and revenue.
Contact Our Experienced Dental Practice Litigation Attorneys
Being involved in dental practice litigation is a serious matter that requires trustworthy advice and counsel. That’s where Mahan Dental Law comes in. We have a well-deserved representation as dedicated advocates who work in the best interests of our clients at all times. When you become our client, you will have an advantage with our experienced dental practice attorneys at your side. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
Mahan Dental Law helps their clients with dental litigation throughout the United States including the states of Ohio and Kentucky.