Did you know that many doctors pay out multiple malpractice settlements and continue to practice medicine? According to research findings by Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group, several doctors repeatedly paid out money for malpractice settlements, yet had never been disciplined by hospitals or the state medical boards. The data analyzed was from the National Practitioner Data Bank.
More importantly, many patients are not even aware that their doctor has been sued – and has settled cases – for medical malpractice. Public Citizen found the following examples, but could not say who these doctors were because the National Practitioner Data Bank only releases names of doctors to hospitals and medical boards.
• One out of 10 doctors in Florida has lost or settled at least 2 medical malpractice lawsuits.
These numbers resulted in the state having the highest rate in the nation of doctors who
repeatedly settle or lose malpractice suits.
• Out of Florida's 39,000 doctors, almost 5% have lost or settled at least three medical
malpractice lawsuits.
• Half of all malpractice settlement money paid out in Florida was for doctors settling three
or more claims.
• In West Virginia, Public Citizen found one doctor who had settled 36 lawsuits in 2 years.
• Another West Virginia doctor settled 40 lawsuits in 4 years.
Public Citizen opposes malpractice settlement caps. In Florida, the group calculated the number of malpractice awards to be equal to or greater than $1 million, and found that the number of these suits had dropped from 44 claims to 22 claims from 2000 to 2002. This decrease occurred even when the number of physicians in Florida increased more than 7% during 2001 and 2002. This increase of physicians would appear to refute the argument that medical malpractice costs are driving doctors out of Florida. Additionally, they found that over the last 10 years, medical malpractice claims have only increased by 2% annually.
It is important to note that just because a doctor is sued, it does not mean he or she is a bad doctor. Sometimes, a patient's expectation of healthcare is one of absolute perfection.
If you're like most people, you aren't sure what to do if faced with these situations, and are probably asking questions like:
• Who will pay for my medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering?
• What money can I get right now to help me?
• What papers should I sign or not sign? Do I need an attorney?
The experienced Florida medical malpractice lawyers at The Law Offices of Robert J. Fenstersheib and Associates, P.A. can handle your medical malpractice lawsuit, as well as accident cases, personal injury lawsuits, breast implant settlements and slip-and-fall lawsuits.
There are two easy and convenient ways you can reach us:
• Fill out a simple online form so we can evaluate your claim.
• Call toll free 1-800-LawMan-8 (1-800-529-6268). Our phones are answered 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.
As you learn more about your legal rights, please remember that our law firm offers free legal consultations, without obligation, to determine if you may have a legal case for your injury, illness or abuse claim. Our law firm will evaluate your claim free of charge and advise you on your legal rights to collect compensation – there is no obligation to use our services.
Call the Law Offices of Robert J. Fenstersheib and Associates, P.A. today, let us answer all your questions and help you protect your legal rights!
1-800-LawMan-8
(1-800-529-6268)
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