Let’s face it—online portals made for the filing of complaints against professional licenses have made it far too easy for people in the throes of negative emotions to endanger the livelihoods of professionals. A good proportion of the complaints made against professional licenses every year are made out of pique, totally unfounded. Even the agency boards that investigate them know this. That’s why so many complaints are dismissed out of hand before even reaching the level at which a professional is notified of the complaint. But sometimes a wholly unfounded complaint may somehow pass muster to reach the investigation stage—at which point the professional does get notified. Naturally, this creates a great deal of stress for the professional whose livelihood is suddenly at risk because of something they know they have not done. Not taking it personally is a Hurculean task.
Looked at objectively, there does exist a necessity for consumers to be able to file complaints. There’s a reason that professional licenses exist in the first place, after all—the state has determined that a reasonable standard of expertise must inhere to particular professions for the safety of the public, and that it’s important to continue monitoring the ability of practitioners to meet the rigors of such expertise. But the complaint system can be abused—whether intentionally by malicious individuals, or unintentionally by consumers who do not consider the full ramifications of this sort of action against a licensee: the possibility of the practitioner losing their license, and with it their livelihood and capacity to support their family.
Given that many licensees, such as doctors and electricians, spent years and a considerable amount of money learning their trades and building businesses, this is one of the most stressful situations that one may encounter.
To put the stress of such a complaint on the side-burner, the first thing a professional should do is make sure they aren’t going through it alone. The sort of self-criticism that may build up can feel like a pressure-cooker, and can create an impulse to self-isolate until the complaint investigation process has completed. But self-isolation only worsens matters, and can lead to further stress, anger, and even depression. A professional under fire should reach out for emotional support from friends and family.
And a skilled professional license defense attorney, like BERTOLINO LLP, should be brought in as soon as possible, so that a strategic defense can be built immediately. Many professionals feel better knowing another consummate professional is on the case on their behalf.
Professional License Defense
BERTOLINO LLP provides aggressive advocacy for professionals who are facing disciplinary action in front of a licensing board, agency, or commission in Texas. We have consistently won significant cases for podiatrists, other doctors, nurses, lawyers, architects, pharmacists and other professionals dealing with issues that could jeopardize their ability to work. We know how to build a strong case to protect your license—and your livelihood.
Call or text (512) 476-5757 or complete a Case Evaluation form
