Patient Safety Act Lawyers in Charleston, WV

Aggressive compliance departments and high-priced defense firms back medical corporations. They will attempt to rewrite history, claiming you were disciplined or terminated due to patient charting errors, interpersonal conflicts, or attendance issues.

Our firm has a unique, powerful advantage. Attorney Kurt Entsminger successfully litigated a landmark healthcare whistleblower case that resulted in a $1.6 million jury verdict, directly helping pave the way for the robust patient protections West Virginia healthcare workers enjoy today. 

We know their playbook inside and out because we used to represent these exact types of large corporate entities. 

Our Legal Process

We conduct a thorough investigation into the employer's stated reasons for the adverse action by obtaining critical evidence, including staffing records, incident documentation, electronic audit data, and internal communications. 

Our goal is to demonstrate that your patient safety report, not a manufactured performance rationale, was the true motivation behind the retaliation.

We also work proactively to safeguard your professional reputation. If your employer attempts to undermine your nursing license, medical credentials, or standing within the healthcare community, we take immediate steps to challenge those tactics and defend your career.

Who Is Covered Under the Patient Safety Act?

Covered professionals include, but are not limited to: 

• Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) 
• Nurse’s aides and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) 
• Physicians, Residents, and Interns 
• Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) 
• Physical, Occupational, and Respiratory Therapists 
• Laboratory and Radiology Technicians 
• Any other medical staff providing physical, diagnostic, emotional, or rehabilitative care 

What Constitutes a Violation of the Act?

A violation occurs when an employer takes an adverse employment action because you: 

• Made a good-faith report – Verbally or in writing, you communicated an instance of wrongdoing (a violation of a law, regulation, or professional standard) or "waste" to a supervisor, hospital board, or government regulatory agency. 
• Advocated for patients – You spoke out or intervened regarding the care, services, or physical conditions of a healthcare facility to protect patient well-being. 
• Participated in an Investigation – You initiated, cooperated with, or testified in a government or internal inquiry regarding healthcare quality or facility conditions. 

Examples of Institutional Retaliation

Institutions rarely admit they are punishing a whistleblower. Instead, retaliation frequently manifests as:

• Blacklisting, sudden termination, or forced resignation. 
• Demotion, loss of seniority, or being passed over for earned promotions.
• Reduction in hourly pay, denial of overtime, or reassignment to less desirable facilities or shifts.
• Hostile write-ups, sudden negative performance reviews, or threats to report your license to the state board.
• Breach of anonymity -  Failing to protect your identity after you filed a confidential internal or administrative complaint.

Remedies for Patient Safety Act Violations

A successful claim or lawsuit can result in the following legal remedies:

• Job reinstatement
• Back pay
• Compensatory damages for emotional distress
• Attorney fees and expenses

Defend Your License. Protect Your Patients. Fight Back.

If you have been targeted, written up, or terminated after blowing the whistle on unsafe patient conditions, short-staffing, or medical malpractice, you must act quickly. The legal timelines to file a civil action under the Patient Safety Act are strict. Waiting too long can cause you to lose your right to hold the facility accountable.

From the outset of the case through resolution, our firm manages every aspect of the litigation process. Whether pursuing claims in state or federal court, we handle the legal strategy, filings, and courtroom advocacy necessary to hold healthcare organizations accountable for unlawful conduct.

Request a confidential case review with a Charleston Patient Safety Act attorney by messaging us online or calling (304) 902-8518 today.