How Often Are Medical Fraud Cases Settled Out of Court?

If you're under investigation for medical fraud, then you may wish to find out how often these cases are settled outside of court. Cases vary, but medical fraud defense lawyers can offer insight into whether your case might settle before going to court.

Ask Medical Fraud Defense Lawyers: How Often Are Medical Fraud Cases Settled Out of Court?

There have been no studies done on how often medical fraud cases settle outside of court, but anecdotal evidence suggests it happens more often than you'd think. If it turns out no fraud was committed, then the case will usually settle outside of court. In cases where a physician committed fraud and admits to it, it's also easier to settle outside of court, but it's not guaranteed.

The size, complexity, and other details of the case all impact how likely it is to go to court. Some situations that can require a case to go to court include:

• Denial that fraud occurred
• Numerous parties committed fraud
• Exorbitant sums were unlawfully claimed

 

How Can I Avoid Going to Court if I've Been Accused of Medical Fraud?

There's nothing you can do to guarantee you won't go to court if you're being investigated for or have been accused of fraud. However, there are certain things you can do to increase your chances of settling outside of court.

1. Be Cooperative

Be cooperative with investigators who are looking into fraud at your practice or hospital. If you have nothing to hide, then you should have nothing to fear. Sometimes mistakes happen, and they can look like fraud has been committed. Plus, even if your practice or hospital has committed fraud, it's best to tell the investigators about your involvement (or lack of) and knowledge of the situation.

Answer honestly and avoid incriminating yourself as much as you can. Show the investigators that you want their investigation to go smoothly and show them you're willing to make things right if they find an issue.

2. Work With an Attorney

Fraud is an incredibly serious crime that can be classed as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the amount of money stolen, so you need to protect yourself as much as you can. A highly experienced attorney can help you deal with the situation and come out of it in the best condition possible.

You need to start working with an attorney as soon as you realize you're being investigated for fraud. Find out more about what constitutes healthcare fraud and how it's investigated.

3. Own Up

If you knowingly committed medical fraud, then it's best to own up to it right from the start. Or, if you know someone else at your hospital or practice is guilty of medical fraud, then let investigators know. Admitting liability can help you avoid the courtroom or at least spend less time in it as your case progresses.

How Can a Medical Fraud Defense Attorney Help Me?

1. Investigating

If you're under investigation for medical fraud and you don't know why, then your attorney can also open an investigation to help you determine what happened. They may find that one person at a practice you own or work at has been committing fraud even if you haven't. They may also find that a few mistakes from over the years have caused government entities to look into your practice.

Regardless of what happened, your attorney can help you get to the bottom of it if you're not sure why you're being investigated.

2. Building a Defense Case

Your attorney can build a case to defend you regardless of what has happened. If you've been investigated due to the occasional mistake, then your attorney can help gather evidence to show that you and nobody at your practice/hospital knowingly committed medical fraud. If somebody did knowingly commit fraud, but you weren't involved, then your attorney can build a case to try and prove your lack of involvement.

If you did commit fraud, then your attorney will advise you to own up. They'll also build a case to try and get you the minimum sentence and/or fine possible for your crimes.

3. Defending You in Court

If you do have to go to court, then your attorney can help defend you in front of a judge and jury. They'll present your case and show you as favorably as possible during all courtroom appearances. Your attorney wants to help you come out of this unscathed if you're innocent. They also want you to get through this with the least harsh penalty possible if you're not.

Don't hesitate to contact an attorney if you're being investigated for medical fraud. Follow their advice and be cooperative to try and avoid going to court. However, if you do have to go to court, ensure you have the best attorney possible by your side.