For years patients have been forced to sue physicians and hospitals because they just could not get a straight answer from them about what happened and why. Many times an apology and an offer to correct the problem would have prevented a lawsuit. Other times, especially in cases of clear negligence a fair settlement offer at the outset of the injury would prevent the time, expense and heartache of a full blown lawsuit. After all, if you ran a red light and broke some one’s arm in the process you would expect the insurance you bought to take care of such an accident in a timely and fair manner. It is really just a matter of the golden rule. It should apply to mistakes by doctors and hospitals as well especially in cases like wrong site surgery, dropped patients and retained surgical sponges and instruments.
Finally medical and health industry are starting to apply the golden rule to medical errors. In cases of clear medical malpractice (which even happens with good doctors) some health care providers are admitting the mistake and offering fair compensation at the outset. The results are in and in cases where health care providers are honest about the facts there are fewer medical negligence lawsuits and more recovery of compensation to the injured patient instead of increased legal expenses and expert fees.
For more information on this subject matter, please refer to the section on Medical Malpractice and Negligent Care.
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