New York Physical Therapist License Defense Lawyers
New York Physical Therapist License Defense Lawyers
Physical therapists provide an invaluable service in helping patients recover from injuries, illnesses, and medical procedures. However, even the most well-intentioned physical therapist can find themselves facing disciplinary action that threatens their license and career. If you are a New York physical therapist who has been accused of misconduct, it is critical that you seek legal representation from an experienced New York physical therapist license defense lawyer.
Common Causes of Disciplinary Action Against Physical Therapists
There are many ways a physical therapist may end up under investigation by the New York State Education Department’s Office of Professional Discipline (OPD), including:
- Negligence or malpractice – If a patient suffers harm or does not improve as expected under a physical therapist’s care, they may file a complaint accusing the therapist of incompetence or negligence. Even unintentional mistakes can prompt disciplinary action if they are found to fall below the standard of care.
- Inappropriate conduct – Boundary violations, such as becoming romantically/sexually involved with a patient, are considered highly unethical and will likely lead to severe consequences. Verbal abuse, physical abuse, or harassment of patients or colleagues may also result in discipline.
- Substance abuse – Struggling with drug or alcohol addiction can raise questions about a physical therapist’s competence and judgment when treating patients. Even if the substance abuse occurs outside of work, it may threaten their license.
- Insurance/billing fraud – Unethical billing practices such as overbilling or billing for services not performed may be reported by insurance companies or government payers like Medicare/Medicaid.
The Disciplinary Process
New York has a uniform complaint system that allows anyone – patients, colleagues, etc. – to file a complaint against a licensed physical therapist to OPD. Here’s what happens next:
- Investigation – OPD will gather evidence, conduct interviews, and subpoena records to determine if the complaint has merit. If there is insufficient evidence, no action is taken.
- Consent order – The physical therapist may be offered a consent order to accept disciplinary action and avoid a hearing. This may allow them to keep their license with restrictions.
- Hearing – If no consent agreement is reached, the matter goes before the Board of Regents at a formal hearing. The board listens to arguments and determines what disciplinary action to impose.
- Penalties – Depending on the severity, the board may issue penalties ranging from censure and fines to probation, suspension, or permanent revocation of the physical therapist’s license.
How to Choose the Right Physical Therapist License Defense Lawyer
Not all lawyers have relevant experience – when selecting counsel, look for:
Excellent 10 out of 10, Helped resolve my case. Jeremy explained everything and made everything easy to understand.
If you are looking for a lawyer that listens, is aggressive where needed, and holds his word above all else, Todd is the best pick. I had hired multiple attorneys prior to hiring the Spodek Group for a white collar case. The first thing that stood out to me was the cost, as anyone going through the process and dealing with the system, money was tight at that time - especially after hiring and firing multiple lawyers. The cost was not as high as others which was definitely a plus. Todd's intake process was also unlike other attorneys. He took the time to actually listen. He cared. He was trying to put himself in my shoes while I was explaining the situation to him and he really took the time to understand the whole situation. Other lawyers will give you 15 mins and send you a retainer agreement. Not Todd, I think he spent almost two hours with me as I was explaining everything.Not only was he great during the onboarding process, he was supportive and very informative through the entire plea process and eventually sentencing. After hiring him, I asked if I should hire a prison consultant, he told me to save my money as he would do everything they would. He was right and held up to his word. Later on I would hear from others that went with the prison consultants that they were a waste of money - I am glad I listened to Todd!When it came time for sentencing, two days prior to sentencing, the prosecutor tried increasing my proposed prison time by almost double - apparently a normal move. Todd and his team worked with me non-stop through the weekend prior to sentencing to ensure that I was not given additional prison time. Again, he took the time to listen and came up with a strategy to explain the case with great detail.Unfortunately, I did plead guilty as that was my best option. Todd and his whole team wrote up nearly 300 pages of a summary of what happened and why I should not be given prison time. If I breakdown the amount I spent with Todd versus the amount of work that I saw being done, I am shocked I was not charged four times as much. The other benefit was, a lot of criminal defense lawyers were just a single attorney with a paralegal or two. Todd had a team of people that I dealt with (5-7 people that I interacted with), but he was ALWAYS accessible. It would never take him more than an hour to reply unless he was in court.I was sentenced to prison and I was emotionally distraught. Todd and his team did whatever they could even after sentencing to make sure I was alright. He personally stayed in touch with my family to ensure I was doing alright and offered support to them. Most lawyers would consider the job complete at sentencing, not Todd.After prison, Todd still spent time with me to make sure I was on the right track and avoiding any potential risks in the future. He has also been giving advice on how to navigate probation etc and has not been looking at the clock for billing.Although I wish I had never been arrested in the first place, I am glad I had Todd and his team in my corner. Without them I likely would have had to spend a lot more time in prison than I did.Thank you, Todd, and the entire Spodek Law team, for helping turn what was a nightmare into a manageable situation!
I am immensely grateful to the entire team at Spodek Law Group for their unwavering dedication and exceptional expertise throughout my case. From our initial consultation to the final resolution, their professionalism and tireless advocacy made all the difference. Their strategic approach and attention to detail instilled confidence in me every step of the way.Thanks to their hard work and commitment, we achieved a truly favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. Not only did they navigate the complexities of my case with precision, but they also provided invaluable support and guidance during what was undoubtedly a challenging time. I cannot recommend Spodek Law Group highly enough, especially attorneys Todd Spodek and Claire Banks; they are beacons of excellence in the legal profession.YSP.
Todd, Ralph and Alex are amazing. Helped my husband get from a double digit number with multiple charges to a single digit, by the time I blink he will be out. They very professional and help with all your needs. They dealt with my anxiety and worry very well and they understand that your family member needs to get home as soon as possible.
Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.
I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence.Thank you team!
I recently had Spodek Law Group represent me for a legal matter in NYC and I am thoroughly impressed with their services.Alex Zhik secured the best possible outcome for my case.It was a seamless journey from the initial consultation to the resolution of my legal matter. From the moment I spoke to Todd about my case, his enthusiasm to help was evident, setting a positive tone for the entire experience. The efficiency and professionalism displayed by the team is commendable.A particularly noteworthy aspect of their service is their user-friendly portal to upload your documents/evidence. This not only simplified the process, but showcases their commitment to streamline the client experience.Lastly, in an industry where legal fees can often be a concern, I found their pricing to be very reasonable, making needing legal assistance feel accessible and stress-free.I am grateful for their support and wouldn't hesitate to turn to them again in the future.
- Specialization in healthcare law – Specifically, a focus on physical therapy license defense cases.
- Experience – A long track record of handling New York OPD investigations and hearings. Check client reviews.
- Resources – Choose a firm with the staff and resources for vigorous representation. A solo lawyer may be overwhelmed.
- Communication skills – They should be responsive, attentive listeners who explain the process in understandable terms.
- Objectivity – Beware any guarantees or absolutes. Ethical lawyers will be honest about possible outcomes.
Strategies Physical Therapist License Defense Lawyers May Use
Skilled lawyers have many strategies to protect your license:
- Negotiating consent orders – If discipline is unavoidable, they negotiate the least damaging sanctions.
- Challenging credibility – Questioning the motives, mental state, or reliability of complainants.
- Disputing evidence – Finding holes or inconsistencies in investigative interviews/records.
- Raising procedural issues – E.g. arguing the complaint was filed past the statute of limitations.
- Presenting mitigating factors – Highlighting your years of ethical service, positive performance reviews, etc.
- Utilizing character witnesses – Letters or testimony from colleagues, employers, and patients can demonstrate your capabilities and integrity.
- Alternative explanations – Providing benign explanations for alleged misconduct.
The Value of Vigorous Legal Advocacy
Defending your physical therapy license is an investment in your future. Although legal fees may seem high, not fighting a disciplinary case can be far more costly if you lose your livelihood. An experienced license defense lawyer levels the playing field and gives you the best chance of preserving your career. They can guide you through the complexities of the system while aggressively defending your interests. Most importantly, the right lawyer provides hope and peace of mind that you have an ally to fight for your reputation and career. Don’t leave your fate to chance – call an experienced physical therapist license defense lawyer today.