In April 2023, Dr. Mark Erasmus, a neurosurgeon in Albuquerque, lost his medical license. This happened after 26 patients claimed malpractice. Altogether, the claims led to $19 million in settlements.

When they saw the 27^th malpractice claim against Dr. Erasmus, the New Mexico Medical Board found him unfit to practice medicine. The revocation of his license means he'll never treat patients in New Mexico again.

The reality in the Erasmus case is this: 26 times, patients claimed he had been negligent or incompetent in his treatment of them, and each time, he was able to retain his medical license. In the case of the 27^th patient, his luck ran out. Boards recognize that complaints and lawsuits against medical professionals are often either frivolous or trying to assign blame for problems that are outside the practitioner's control. However, they also recognize that a pattern of complaints might point to legitimate concerns about the practitioner's abilities or professionalism.

If your career is at stake, the Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team is ready to assist. We manage board investigations, hearings, and disciplinary actions. We're different from malpractice attorneys. They focus on settlements, but we fight to protect your right to practice. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or send us a message online.

How Professionals Lose Their Licenses (Even When They're Not at Fault)

While professionals understand lawsuit risks, few expect a career-ending chain reaction. Here's how it happens:

• Malpractice Lawsuits Are Common: no professional, no matter how skilled, can promise perfect results. Surgeries have risks. Diagnoses may not always be perfect. Also, clients or patients can have unrealistic expectations. Even minor mistakes—or no mistakes at all—can lead to a lawsuit.
• The Board Takes Notice After Enough Cases Stack Up: Once enough settlements or complaints have accumulated, licensing boards investigate. Licensing boards can point to the number of cases to justify revocation. This holds true even if the lawsuits were baseless or settled without admitting fault.
• Insurance Companies Settle (Even When You're Right): Insurers opt to settle early because it's cheaper than a drawn-out legal fight. Unfortunately, each settlement adds to your record. The board feels that the many lawsuits, even if they have no merit or if the practitioner agrees to settle without admitting fault, call for revocation.
• Your License Fight Starts Now: Many professionals must face a licensing board to keep their jobs. Many people count on their malpractice attorney or the lawyer from their insurance. But often, neither has the skills to defend against board actions.

Don't Let the Board Decide Your Future

Don't risk your career. Act now if you're facing an investigation. A single complaint can lead to a full review of your career, even if you did nothing wrong. The Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team understands the board's strategies well. We will create a strong, tailored defense for your specific case.

Call us today at 888-535-3686 or send us a message online to protect your career.