The Emotional Stress of a Medical Malpractice lawsuit
Let’s be clear- As a physician, it’s not a matter of if you will get sued, but when.
About 35% of physicians in low-risk specialties and 88% of physicians in high-risk specialties are projected to face their first claims by the age of 45. By the age of 65, more than 75 percent of physicians in low-risk specialties and 99 percent of physicians in high-risk specialties have experienced a claim.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3204310
Medical Malpractice lawsuits have a huge impact on physicians’ practices. Consider this:
- Health practitioners definitely experience additional stress, reputational and work damage when having to take time to defend claims.
- Fighting these claims will take time away from the health practitioner delay the physician’s ability to implement or improve quality-or safety-related procedures.
- When a claim is filed against a physician, it is deeply personal-over 95 percent of physicians experience emotional distress during some or all of the litigation process. Medical malpractice stress syndrome (MMSS), stress related to malpractice litigation, can negatively impact your health, your personal and professional relationships, and your practice.
Medical Malpractice Insurance to the Rescue
Medical malpractice insurance protects licensed health care professionals from liability caused by wrongful practices that result in bodily injury, property damage, and medical expenses. The costs of defending these claims are covered as well.
Don’t let MALPRACTICE SUITS CONSUME YOUR CAREER
The average physician spends 50.7 months, or over four years, of a typical 40-year career fighting malpractice claims—the majority of which end with no indemnity payment. High-risk specialists such as neurosurgeons and cardiovascular Surgeons spend nearly a quarter of their careers defending themselves against litigation.
Medical Malpractice in Australia is one of the most complex areas of general insurance and is often the most misunderstood. There is a raft of legislation which is designed to protect registered healthcare practitioners (and patient’s rights to seek compensation when mistakes occur). Contact a Medical Indemnity Insurance advisor to find out more.
This publication is general in nature and is not comprehensive or constitute legal or medical advice. You should seek legal, medical or other professional advice before relying on any content, and practice proper clinical decision making with regard to individual circumstances. Persons implementing any recommendations contained in this publication must exercise their own independent skill or judgment or seek appropriate professional advice relevant to their own particular practice. Compliance with any recommendations will not in any way guarantee discharge of the duty of care owed to patients and others coming into contact with the health professional or practice. Tego Insurance Pty Ltd is not responsible to you or anyone else for any loss suffered in connection with the use of this information.