Medical Fraud & Quackery

Medical quackery has existed since the earliest days of medicine. In the early days, it was “tonics” and “salves” that may have been little more than alcohol or sugar water that were promised to “cure” any ailment. Today, medical quackery has gotten slightly more sophisticated, just as medicine has.

Not until the 20th century was there a significant difference between mainstream medicine and quackery. At this point, snake oil salesmen would sell “cures” from the back of a horse-drawn wagon or a mail order catalog. Now, the same group of people uses the Internet to sell the exact same types of products.

Medical quackery hinges on the idea of selling a medical scheme or remedy that is either false or unproven for a profit. The scheme may involve a drug, a device, or merely lifestyle changes. Regardless of the chosen method, the idea is to prey on the psychology and fear of individuals by selling them a miracle “cure” that will solve all of their problems.

While rare, it is possible for some promoters of quackery to be sincere and to believe in what they are selling or doing. Despite their sincerity, they do not have a clue. Others are manipulative and out for a fast profit or notoriety. A quack may have respected credentials but it is just as likely that they will have a bogus degree from a “diploma mill.” Either way, the remedy they are peddling is fraudulent and may even be hazardous to one’s health.

Contact a Pennsylvania Medical Malpractice Lawyer

If you have fallen victim to a quack doctor that has promised remedies and not delivered, contact a Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyer of Lowenthal & Abrams at 610-667-7511.