Don't think that once you “educate the plaintiff or, more importantly, the plaintiff's attorney about the facts of the case, they. The best way to prevent a negligence lawsuit is to prepare for the possibility of being sued, experts say. The more prepared a doctor is, the greater the chances of a successful outcome. While no doctor can manage all of the potential risks that lead to a malpractice lawsuit, best practices include making sure you have the best insurance policy, working on communication strategies with patients, and taking the right steps in the event of a demand.
Being better listeners as doctors can prevent another common problem in malpractice lawsuits: poor documentation in the electronic health record (EHR). Although it seems like another step, taking the time necessary to improve patient understanding early in the relationship can prevent problems that lead to malpractice lawsuits, Kolbert said. While malpractice lawsuits can remain a dark specter in the back of a doctor's mind, Kolbert said the number of adverse outcomes is greater than the number of claims on average, which represent a fraction of 1% of patients. If this event is followed by an accusation of malpractice, they may suddenly feel overwhelmed and “out of control,” and their ability to function may be compromised.
temporarily. The Doctors Company is proud to be the leader in the professional liability insurance industry by providing an accredited and unparalleled education for doctors, dentists, advanced practice doctors and office managers. To mitigate risks, doctors must first understand some of the most common causes of malpractice lawsuits. While it is a reality that most health professionals will face a negligence lawsuit, few are prepared when a lawsuit is filed due to a lack of relevant information during their education and training.
The next most important step in defending for malpractice after a lawsuit has been filed is to thoroughly prepare for the deposition or pretrial statement, Kolbert said. The goal is to understand and lessen the effects of stress and to regain a sense of emotional balance to function as a good defendant and a competent professional during the lengthy litigation process. Preparing for and participating in a lawsuit while taking care of your patients and yourself is no easy task, but it is necessary to successfully defend your professional reputation. In medical malpractice law, fault is based on a deviation from the standard of care that resulted in the injury.
They should also observe if their relationships with their family or professional life have changed and take appropriate steps to remedy them. They may not be able to control the pace or even the outcome of their case, but participating in activities that make them feel that they have better control of their personal and professional lives and actively participating in their defense will help them restore their sense of balance.
