Study Shows 2% of Doctors Are Responsible for 50% of Malpractice Settlements
A new study, published in December of 2016, reports that fewer than 2% of all physicians represent half of the malpractice settlements in the United States. This study concurs with findings in a previous study which found that 1% of doctors are responsible for 32% of paid malpractice claims. These studies suggest that steps need to be taken by the medical community to protect patients from a very specific group of physicians. The studies confirm that malpractice suits are a useful mechanism to protect communities. The studies also found that significant segments of the 2% of doctors responsible for the majority of the claims, previously had other clinical reports. Further, each of which raised the risk of malpractice. Thus, the studies demonstrate, malpractice suits protect patients, and public policy should support attorneys’ ability to find information about the past of a doctor who is being sued to establish whether the doctor was a known risk.
While the studies show that most malpractice is committed by a small group of doctors, it is still important that you be vigilant in selecting your physicians. Remember to always get referrals when possible, and research your doctor on state medical board websites. If, however, you or a loved one has been injured by a doctor, you may be legally entitled to fair compensation. Plattner Verderame PC specializes in medical malpractice, and is happy to assess your claim. We are honest attorneys who spend our days helping honest clients.
Nick is a member of the State Bar of Arizona, the Arizona Association for Justice (formerly the Arizona Trial Lawyers Association) and the American Association for Justice (AAJ). He currently serves on the AAJ’s Political Action Task Force and its Oversight Committee, and on the Board of Governors for Revitalization in Arizona.
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