San Diego Medical Fraud Lawyer

Vaage Law > Practice Areas > San Diego Medical Fraud Lawyer

Our team of experienced and dedicated attorneys is committed to navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding healthcare fraud and conspiracy. We strive to ensure that justice prevails in the face of deception and misconduct within the medical industry.

Healthcare professionals swear an oath to do no harm. Patients need to rely on doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other medical personnel to act in their best interests. When those individuals change the care they dispense based on their own rankings or financial interests, patients can be severely harmed.

Medical fraud and conspiracy cases demand a deep understanding of healthcare regulations, intricate financial transactions, and the ability to uncover digital webs of deception. At Vaage Law, we have cultivated the knowledge, experience, and expert consultants required to represent our clients with tenacity and skill in these matters.

With over 35 years of experience and a proven track record of successfully litigating medical fraud and conspiracy cases, we are ready to provide you with the legal support you need to protect your rights and seek fair compensation. 

A San Diego medical conspiracy lawyer at our firm can work with you to prevent future fraudulent schemes in our healthcare system, to bring about a safer future for patients everywhere. Contact Vaage Law online or by calling (619) 338-0505 to schedule your free consultation — help us uphold the integrity of the healthcare system by holding wrongdoers accountable.

Medical fraud and conspiracy is a growing area of law, especially as more and more physicians work with medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers to test and promote their products. You expect your physician or surgeon to make medical recommendations based on your best interests. Where things go awry is when the financial and research interests of the doctor affect decision-making, and the patient is kept in the dark.

What Is Medical Fraud Conspiracy?

Medical fraud and medical fraud conspiracy are illegal and can have serious consequences, including criminal charges, fines, imprisonment, and loss of medical licenses. These activities not only harm the healthcare system but can also lead to increased healthcare costs, compromised patient care, and a loss of trust in the medical profession.

Medical fraud or healthcare fraud refers to a wide range of dishonest and illegal activities involving the healthcare system, where individuals or organizations intentionally deceive or misrepresent information for financial gain. A San Diego medical fraud attorney may be able to help you if you faced any of the following fraudulent activities:

• False Diagnoses: Providing false or unnecessary diagnoses to bill for unnecessary medical services or procedures.
• Billing Fraud: Overbilling or charging for services or treatments, also known as “upcoding.”
• Phantom Billing: Engaging in “phantom billing” involves charging for services or procedures that were never performed or were medically unnecessary.
• Kickbacks: Offering or receiving illegal payments in exchange for patient referrals or the purchase of specific medical products or services.
• Unbundling: Billing separately for procedures that should be bundled together, leading to inflated costs.

Our Client’s Journey Toward Justice After a Failed Surgery

In this testimonial, our client shares his experience working with Vaage Law after his spinal surgery went terribly wrong. From the beginning, our client trusted our team for our thorough and honest approach, knowing we only take cases on if we believe we can make a difference. 

Who Can a San Diego Healthcare Fraud Lawyer Hold Accountable?

Medical fraud conspiracy involves two or more individuals or entities working together to commit medical fraud. This can include:

• Doctors
• Nurses
• Medical Billing Personnel
• Healthcare Facilities
• Patients collaborating to defraud the healthcare system

The conspirators work together to execute fraudulent schemes, such as submitting false claims, creating fake patient records, or engaging in kickback schemes.

Healthcare authorities and law enforcement agencies actively investigate and prosecute individuals and organizations involved in medical fraud and conspiracy to protect the integrity of the healthcare system. If you are victimized by such practices, a San Diego medical fraud lawyer can help you file a civil lawsuit for your personal injuries, losses, and emotional suffering.

The Impact of Medical Fraud in San Diego: What Victims Need to Know

San Diego is known for its outstanding healthcare system, with top-rated hospitals, prestigious medical schools, and a reputation for high-quality care. UC San Diego Health is consistently ranked among the best in the country, with its La Jolla and Hillcrest hospitals standing out as some of the top medical facilities in California. 

The region boasts 26 accredited hospitals and over 6,600 beds, with several offering competitive residency programs. National reports, such as those from Northwestern National Life, have even placed San Diego among the top three cities for healthcare quality and cost-effectiveness.

Yet, despite these accolades, San Diego’s healthcare system is not immune to the troubling issue of medical fraud. Beneath the glowing reputation, some patients have fallen victim to unethical practices that jeopardize their health and safety, often at the hands of trusted medical professionals. In San Diego, there have been several notable cases highlighting the impact of such fraudulent activities, including: 

• In September 2020, federal officials announced a nationwide enforcement action involving 345 defendants across 51 federal districts, including San Diego. More than 100 doctors, nurses, and other licensed medical professionals were charged in connection with various healthcare fraud schemes, including illegal opioid distribution.
• Dr. Janette J. Gray and her clinic, The Center for Health & Wellbeing in San Diego, settled for $3.8 million after being accused of submitting false claims to Medicare and TRICARE from 2012 to 2022, including misrepresenting services, billing under the wrong provider, unbundling procedures, and billing for unnecessary treatments.
• In 2017, four San Diego-area nursing homes owned by Brius Management Co. agreed to pay up to $6.9 million to settle allegations of paying kickbacks for patient referrals and submitting fraudulent bills to Medicare and Medi-Cal, including illegal payments to discharge planners at Scripps Mercy Hospital to secure patient referrals.

These incidents demonstrate the significant risks associated with fraudulent medical practices in San Diego. If you or someone you know has been affected by medical fraud or conspiracy, it’s important to seek legal counsel to understand your rights and options.

At Vaage Law, we hold the trust the public places in our healthcare system as sacred. When those entrusted with our well-being, like doctors and medical professionals, allow their greed to take precedence over patient care, it’s a disgrace that undermines the very foundation of healthcare. Learn how a San Diego healthcare fraud attorney can support you in bringing these despicable actions to light by calling (619) 338-0505 or filling out our online form today.

What Does a San Diego Healthcare Fraud Lawyer Do for Your Case?

It’s important to choose a healthcare fraud lawyer with experience in this field, as healthcare fraud cases can be complex, involving intricate healthcare regulations, billing practices, and medical documentation.

Here’s what a healthcare fraud lawyer can do for your case:

• Investigation: Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances, including reviewing medical records, financial documents, and any other relevant evidence. We will work to uncover the facts and identify all potentially liable parties to maximize your chances of a robust compensation package.
• Negotiation: In some cases, your attorney may negotiate with insurance companies or opposing counsel on your behalf to reach a settlement before a trial is necessary. This could result in faster closure that minimizes the time you spend waiting for resolution.
• Litigation: If necessary, your healthcare fraud lawyer will represent you in court, presenting your case before a judge and jury. We will advocate on your behalf, present evidence, and hire expert witnesses to build a strong case.

Having a knowledgeable San Diego medical conspiracy lawyer by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Proving that you were a victim of medical fraud can be a difficult and complex process, but a lawyer can use their experience to help you file a claim with confidence and peace of mind.

A study by Martindale-Nolo discovered that lawyers had a big impact on the effect of outcomes, as over 90% of people with a lawyer walked away with a settlement or award, but only 50% of those who represented themselves managed to get a payout.

What Kind of Settlement Can You Secure With a San Diego Medical Conspiracy Lawyer?

In a medical malpractice case involving conspiracy or fraud, plaintiffs may seek various types of damages, both economic and non-economic, to compensate for the harm they’ve suffered.

Here are some common types of damages that can be pursued in such lawsuits:

• Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for any medical costs incurred as a direct result of the conspiracy, such as treatments, surgeries, medications, or therapies.
• Lost Income: Compensation for lost wages or earning capacity resulting from the conspiracy’s impact on your ability to work.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages may be awarded to compensate the plaintiff for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental suffering caused by the conspiracy.

In cases involving particularly appalling conduct, the court may also award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter similar behavior in the future. These damages are intended to serve as a deterrent and are often awarded in addition to the above-listed damages.

The specific circumstances of the case, the extent of the harm, and the conduct of the defendants will all play a significant role in determining the types and amounts of damages that may be awarded. Another factor is the skill your attorney brings to the table based on proven successful case results.

In extreme cases where medical fraud conspiracy causes or contributes to someone’s death, family members of the deceased can file a wrongful death lawsuit. The damages in such cases address economic losses like the loss of financial support, and emotional harms like the profound grief of losing someone before their time.

You only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit following medical fraud or conspiracy due to laws known as the statute of limitations. Contact Vaage Law at (619) 338-0505 or online to discuss how much time you have left to take legal action and the best way to honor your loved one and secure support for the future.

Exposing Medical Fraud and Malpractice Arbitration With Bob Vaage

With over 35 years of experience, attorney and founder Bob Vaage shares his insights on how the system works, especially in cases involving medical fraud and malpractice. As a recognized leader in personal injury and medical fraud cases, Bob explains the challenges and successes he’s encountered while representing clients in high-stakes arbitrations, including those against major healthcare providers like Kaiser.

Contact an Experienced Medical Conspiracy Lawyer Today

As a dedicated medical fraud and conspiracy lawyer, Bob Vaage provides unwavering support and legal representation to those who have been affected by the intricate web of deception within the healthcare industry. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare fraud and conspiracy cases can be challenging, and we are here to stand by your side.

Vaage Law has over 35 years of proven experience helping residents of San Diego achieve groundbreaking case results for medical fraud and malpractice, including: 

• Over $25 million for a child who suffered bowel perforation due to forced feedings
• Nearly $9 million for a delay in diagnosis of a gastric complication due to physician inexperience
• Roughly $2.5 million for defective nerve monitoring equipment that led to a permanent spinal injury during surgery

Vaage Law has one of the few, if not the first, California verdicts against a medical device manufacturer for conspiring with a surgeon to defraud a patient. A San Diego jury awarded over $3 million against a medical device company for aiding and abetting in perpetrating fraud against our client.

Why Hire Vaage Law

Our firm has over three decades of experience in litigating cases that involve healthcare regulations, financial intricacies, and strict state laws in California, recovering over $190 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients. This includes a $2 million result for a patient prescribed dangerous medicinal products against her explicit wishes for personal financial gain. We are fully equipped to guide you through these matters and offer legal counsel, strategic casework, and compassionate support every step of the way.

Your journey for justice begins here, and we are ready to be your trusted guides and champions. Contact our San Diego offices online or by calling (619) 338-0505 today to discuss your case with a San Diego medical fraud lawyer and seek the justice and accountability you deserve. Together, we can shine a light on the truth and make a difference in the healthcare industry.

Proudly Representing San Diego Residents

San Diego Medical Conspiracy and Fraud FAQs

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