Gaslighting is an abuse tactic that can make you doubt your own knowledge, thoughts, memories, experiences, and feelings. It can make you feel like you’re going crazy. If you’re not familiar with gaslighting, it derives from the 1944 film Gaslight, in which a husband emotionally manipulates his wife to convince her that she is mentally ill so that he can steal from her.
The term “medical gaslighting” has recently gained popularity online. But what does it actually mean, and how common is it?
Gaslighting typically implies intentional malice, and in my many years of experience, I have never seen or had a case involving a doctor who intentionally violates the standard of care. While medical gaslighting is exceedingly rare, it can have serious consequences. In this article, we’ll explore what it is, how it works, and whether you can sue a doctor for medical gaslighting in Illinois.
What Is Medical Gaslighting?
Medical gaslighting is when a doctor or other healthcare worker minimizes or dismisses a patient’s concerns or symptoms and rather than investigating them properly, attributes them to psychological factors. It has negative effects on a patient’s mental health, leaving them feeling invalidated and doubting their own perceptions of their own experiences.
While hypochondria is certainly a real phenomenon, it’s still important for medical professionals to hear out patient concerns and investigate properly.
Key elements of medical gaslighting include:
- Dismissing symptoms (e.g. “it’s all in your head”)
- Minimizing feelings (e.g. “that’s normal”/”it’s not that bad”)
- Cultural or racial biases that cause doctors to take complaints less seriously
- Lack of investigation/analysis of communicated symptoms
Can You Sue for Medical Gaslighting?
In the State of Illinois, you may be able to sue for medical gaslighting if it falls under the umbrella of medical malpractice. While you can’t specifically sue for “medical gaslighting,” the actions that constitute it are indeed actionable offenses:
- Failure to diagnose: When a doctor completely misses an underlying disease, detects it but it’s too late for easy treatment, or misdiagnoses it entirely.
- Informed consent: Doctors are required to provide all necessary information about their patients’ conditions, proposed treatments, medicines, etc. so that patients can make informed decisions about their health. Failure to do so can result in legal action against the hospital.
- Violation of the standard of care: Doctors have a legal obligation to meet standards for each patients’ care.
- Emotional distress: If a doctor’s negligence and dismissal causes emotional distress, there’s a chance they can be sued.
What to do if You Suspect You’re a Victim of Medical Malpractice
If you suspect your doctor is engaging in medical malpractice, there are some key steps you need to take in order to file a successful lawsuit.
First and foremost, document EVERYTHING. Keep a record of your symptoms and their severity, each conversation you’ve had with your doctor, exchanged emails, and your treatment history. This will be critical in proving that your concerns are valid and were brushed off by your doctor(s). Request detailed explanations of why certain tests have or haven’t been administered, why they reached their diagnosis, and any alternatives. Write down everything including the date and time these conversations happened.
Next, be sure to get a second or even third opinion. Doctors are required to provide certain standards of care, which can be established by a baseline of other opinions. If, for instance, you seek two similar outside opinions that differ drastically from your general practitioner, you may be able to prove that they are not upholding the modicum of care you need.
Finally, consult with an experienced medical negligence attorney to see if your case is viable.
Brian Lewis Can Help Put Medical Negligence to Bed
Brian Lewis is an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney who has helped families achieve justice since 1997. He will walk you through every step of the process, lifting the burden off your shoulders and giving you the knowledgeable representation that you and your loved ones deserve. Brian’s litigation experience and passion to hold people accountable have allowed him to win more than $100 million in damages throughout the course of his career.
Contact Brian Lewis today if you or your loved one have been injured or wrongfully killed due to a doctor’s negligence.
