¶ … Ethics in the Helping Professions Malpractice Vulnerability

Regardless of what specific profession a practitioner is engaged in, there are certain malpractice vulnerabilities that are germane to industries in which people seek the help of others. One of the most eminent of such vulnerabilities, and possibly the one that most frequently results in litigation, is miscommunication, which is an integral component of customer service and is at the heart of every practitioner's business. Far too often, practitioners leave themselves vulnerable to claims of malpractice by failing to communicate effectively with customers. This simple mistake can lead to a variety of exacerbating situations including the formation of unrealistic expectations to misunderstandings regarding the results and manner of treatment and may lead to customers believing that practitioners have deliberately mistreated them (No author, 2010).

Billing is another common area in which malpractice litigation may be sought. Discrepancies or inconsistency in billing -- which is a complicated process for even...

Another fairly frequent vulnerability that can lead to malpractice can be found in the company which is particular practitioner keeps, from partnerships with other practitioners to the employees and specific office protocol that is used to maintain one's practice. Despite the fact that such other professionals may share economic and professional dependencies with a practitioner, they may not share the same goals or the same discipline required to maintain those goals. It is quite common for practitioners to be charged with malpractice litigation due to negligence on the part of their employees and others whom the practitioners are in business with -- and the result is that the practitioner whose name is on the door of the building is the one hit with the malpractice suit.
Prevention is the primary method for preventing…