Have You Been Injured? We're Ready to Fight for You.

How to File a Complaint Against a Doctor in Ohio

Published on Jun 11, 2020 by Thomas Law Offices.

Stethoscope

When you’ve experienced improper care from a doctor in Ohio, it’s likely you will want to hold that doctor accountable for their actions or negligence. But you might not know what steps you need to take to document your complaint against the doctor for the care you received. At Thomas Law Offices in Cincinnati, we understand that it can be hard to stand up for yourself against a doctor, but we want to help you. We will guide you through the medical malpractice claim process, but first you should know the steps of filing a complaint against your doctor in Ohio.

What You Should Do Before Filing a Complaint

Before you take the step of filing a complaint about your experience with a doctor in Ohio, you should first discuss the complaint directly with your doctor. This might be an uncomfortable conversation to have, but doctors should be receptive to your complaint, and this might enable the problem to be resolved without legal action.

Your doctor might not even know they made a mistake until you let them know what you experienced. That’s why you should tell them your complaint directly before filing a complaint because it gives them the opportunity to correct their mistake. However, if they don’t correct their mistake or dismiss your complaint, then you should file an official complaint.

Other than your complaint, your situation might warrant a personal injury case, like a medical malpractice claim. If your doctor was negligent and their negligence directly resulted in an injury to you, then you could have a med mal claim. Hiring an attorney to help you with your claim would help you get justice and compensation for your injuries. Even if you choose to file a legal claim, filing an official complaint might still be a good option for you. Your Cincinnati med mal lawyer can help you decide what your best options are for your situation.

Where Do You File Your Complaint

The State Medical Board of Ohio is who you file a complaint with when your doctor does not give you adequate care. You can find the form to file a complaint here, but it is important to note that this complaint is intended for practice issues only. When you file your complaint, make sure that you include as much information and proof as possible so when the Medical Board investigates your claim, they will have your full narrative of the situation.

Some of the information that will be needed for your complaint will be:

  • Your contact information
  • The doctor’s name, license type, license number, and contact information
  • A description of what happened, where it happened, and the date when it happened
  • Supporting documents

It’s also important to know who you can file your complaint against. The medical professionals that these complaints apply to are physicians, physician assistants, massage therapists, genetic counselors, radiologist assistants, respiratory care professionals, anesthesiologist assistants, cosmetic therapists, acupuncturists, and dietitians. All of these professionals receive their licenses through the Medical Board. A complaint against any other medical professional must be filed through their respective licensor.

According to the State Medical Board of Ohio, investigations into complaints can take anywhere from a few days to a year or more depending on how complex your case is. In general, most investigations last a few months.

What Can the State Medical Board of Ohio Investigate?

Filing an official claim with the State Medical Board of Ohio is a big decision that takes full consideration and is not something you should take lightly. You can’t file a complaint for just any reason—there are only certain circumstances that the Medical Board will investigate. According to the Medical Board, they will only investigate these situations and some other miscellaneous violations:

  • Improper prescribing or administering of drugs
  • Not meeting the standards of care
  • Fraud
  • Immoral conduct
  • Unlicensed practice
  • Criminal convictions
  • Impaired ability of practice
  • Failed duty to report

Here are some of the situations that the Medical Board says they will not investigate because they do not have jurisdiction:

  • Billing disputes
  • Insurance disputes
  • Personality clashes
  • Poor bedside manner
  • HIPAA violations
  • Scheduling complaints
  • Employer problems
  • Problems with an entity rather than a specific doctor
  • Problems with nursing homes

Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer From Thomas Law Offices

While a complaint through the State Medical Board of Ohio is not the same as a medical malpractice claim, you still could benefit from hiring a lawyer to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. A Cincinnati med mal lawyer from Thomas Law Offices can answer your questions about what your best course of legal action would be moving forward, and whether you qualify to file a claim, a complaint, or even both. Reach out to our office today so we can start the discussion.

Free Case Evaluation

At Thomas Law Offices, our personal injury attorneys recognize that our potential clients are likely going through some of the most difficult times of their lives. We don't want you to have to worry about paying out of pocket for legal advice when you're just starting to learn your legal rights and options. That's why we provide free case evaluations. We'll offer our expert advice about your potential case and walk you through how we can help you.

Call us or fill out the form below to tell us about your potential case and a personal injury lawyer will get back to you as quickly as possible.

Meet Our Founder

Tad Thomas - Trial Lawyer

Tad Thomas

Managing Partner

Tad Thomas has dedicated his practice to representing plaintiffs in various types of civil litigation, including personal injury, business litigation, class actions, and multi-district litigation.

After graduating with his law degree in 2000 from Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University, Mr. Thomas immediately opened his own private practice and began representing injury victims.

In 2011, Thomas Law Offices was established in Louisville, Kentucky. Over the past decade, Mr. Thomas has expanded his firm and now has offices in three additional locations: Cincinnati, Ohio, Columbia, Missouri, and Chicago, Illinois. He is also a frequent lecturer on topics like trial skills and ethics and technology.

Legal & Firm News

Where Do Car Accidents Happen Most Often in Chicago?

As someone who lives in or has traveled through Chicago, you likely don’t need any reminding of how congested our city’s roadways are. This heavy traffic often leads to collisions, which cause motorists to suffer serious injuries and lose their lives. While you’re likely aware of where some of our city’s crash-prone roadways are if […]

Read More

Learn How to Protect Your Loved Ones with My Nursing Home Abuse Guide

Thomas Law Offices has over a decade of experience helping families seek justice on behalf of loved ones who have been abused, neglected, or otherwise harmed in nursing homes and long-term care facilities around the nation. Tad Thomas himself has spoken multiple times on live TV about the work our firm does and the changes […]

Read More

One Year Since Old National Bank Shooting, Co-Counsel Representing Survivors, Families Release Statement

LOUISVILLE, KY – Today, Thomas Law Offices, Everytown Law, and Romanucci & Blandin, who together represent survivors as well as families who lost loved ones in the mass shooting at Old National Bank in Louisville on April 10, 2023, released the following statement: “April 10th marks one year since the tragic mass shooting at the […]

Read More
Tad Thomas on The National Crime Victim Bar Association
National Civil Justice Institute - Trustee
Tad Thomas on Lawyer Minds
Tad Thomas on American Association for Justice
Southern Trial Lawyers Association
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Ohio Association for Justice
Kentucky Justice Association
Fellows of the Litigation Counsel of America
Martindale Hubbell Preeminent
2021 Public Justice Member
AAJ Masters of Trial Law: Champion