Medical Record Falsification

In a recent California case, falsification of the medical record cost the self-insured client nearly $300,000 ($150,000 indemnity; $135,000 attorney fees and expenses). This result was particularly painful because the underlying claim was completely defensible, but for the falsification. The alleged falsification of medical records in a lawsuit will change the dynamics of the case to the extent that the focus is no longer on the alleged malpractice or elder abuse, but rather on the integrity of the medical record. The altered record significantly damages the credibility of the witnesses and the entire defense of the claim. The plaintiff will argue that the falsification of records is just one aspect of the defendants’ conspiracy to cover up the truth.