Month: November 2023

Medical malpractice is a major concern for doctors, dentists, CRNAs, and other medical professionals in the United States, but it hasn’t always been that way. Below, we’ll guide you through the history of medical malpractice in the United States and briefly touch on some landmark cases in the field.

Defining Medical Malpractice in the US

In the United States, medical malpractice is defined as the failure of a healthcare professional to provide a standard of care that a reasonably competent healthcare professional in a similar field would have provided under the same circumstances. This can include treatment errors, diagnostic errors, or errors in management that result in harm or injury to a patient.

Historical Context of Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

Medical malpractice lawsuits in the US can be traced back to the 1800s. During this time, malpractice cases were relatively uncommon, and damages awarded to plaintiffs were considerably less than they are today. However, with advancements in medicine and public awareness, cases began to rise in the latter half of the 19th century. This increase prompted the development of malpractice laws to safeguard patients’ rights and maintain professional standards among healthcare practitioners.

The first known medical malpractice case in the US was in 1794 when a doctor was sued for causing the arm paralysis of his patient during surgery. However, it wasn’t until the 1900s that medical malpractice cases significantly rose, largely as a result of the growth and influence of professional medical organizations such as the American Medical Association (AMA).

Landmark Cases and Their Impact on Modern Lawsuits

Several landmark cases have shaped the landscape of medical malpractice lawsuits in the United States. These cases have helped establish precedents and contributed to the evolution of legal standards surrounding medical negligence.

One such landmark case is Reibl v. Hughes (1978), which established the concept of informed consent. This case clarified that healthcare professionals are legally required to provide patients with all the necessary information regarding their medical condition, available treatment options, possible risks, and potential outcomes of a procedure to enable them to make an informed decision.

Another important case in the history of medical malpractice in the United States is Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California (1976), which highlighted the principle of duty to warn. This case stated that mental health professionals must warn potential victims if a patient presents a credible threat of violence toward them.

Get Protected for Malpractice With Baxter & Associates

As a healthcare professional, you must take proactive measures to protect yourself from malpractice claims. As a provider of CRNA liability insurance and medical malpractice coverage for dentists, doctors, and other physicians, Baxter & Associates understands the important points of malpractice law and how it can affect an individual. If you need medical malpractice coverage, you can find a quote for a policy online or contact our staff to discuss your insurance options.

Professional liability, or malpractice insurance, is essential for medical professionals. It protects them from the financial consequences of lawsuits and claims arising from patient treatment and care. As a medical professional, choosing the right malpractice insurance is crucial for safeguarding your career and personal assets in the event of a claim. We’ll share some key things to consider when buying malpractice insurance.

Assess Your Risks

Every medical professional’s needs vary according to their practice specialty, location, and other factors. Assess your the risks of your field to choose the appropriate coverage. Consider the frequency of malpractice claims within your specialty, and know the regulations and coverage requirements of your location.

Scope of Coverage

Evaluate the scope of coverage offered by the insurance policy you’re considering. Look for an insurance policy that covers claims arising from all your professional services, including telemedicine, clinical trials, and volunteer work.

Claims-Made vs. Occurrence Policies

Malpractice insurance policies include two types: claims-made and occurrence policies. Claims-made policies cover incidents that happen and are reported during the active policy period. Occurrence policies cover incidents during the policy period, regardless of when they’re reported. The right policy type depends on your specialty, risk factors, and budget.

Insurance Limits

Insurance limits refer to the maximum amount an insurer will pay for an individual claim and the total claims in a policy year. Choose coverage limits that meet your financial risk tolerance, and adhere to your state’s regulatory requirements.

Reputation of the Insurance Provider

Evaluate the reputation and financial stability of the insurance provider by reviewing their track record, licensing, ratings, and customer testimonials. Also, consider their experience in serving other medical professionals within your specialty.

Tail Coverage

Another thing to consider when buying malpractice insurance is whether you require tail coverage, or extended reporting period (ERP) coverage. It protects you against claims filed after terminating a claims-made policy. If you choose a claims-made policy, consider purchasing tail coverage to stay protected.

Premiums and Discounts

Premiums and discounts vary among insurers. While shopping for malpractice insurance, compare quotes and identify the most cost-effective option without compromising coverage. You may also qualify for discounts based on risk management practices, claim history, and professional affiliations.

Customer Service and Claims Support

Choose an insurer that provides exceptional customer service and claims-handling support. Efficient claim support lets you focus on your practice while your insurer handles the legal aspects of a malpractice claim.

Let Baxter & Associates Help You Find Malpractice Insurance

Buying malpractice insurance is a big decision. If you need help finding an ideal insurance policy, Baxter & Associates can help. We’ve assisted many medical professionals find the liability policies they need, like chiropractic liability insurance. Visit our website to get a quote for our services, or contact our staff to learn more today.