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Attorney Henry E. Valenzuela

What types of doctors are most likely to be sued for malpractice?

On Behalf of | Jun 4, 2018 | Medical Malpractice

During the course of their careers, at least one-half of all physicians will face a medical malpractice case, according to the health care research firm Medscape. The rate at which doctors will face medical liability lawsuits will vary greatly depending on speciality though.

The research group conducted a 2017 survey among both primary care physicians (PCP) and specialists. They found that only 11 percent of all PCPs admitted to having been sued as the sole defendant in a medical malpractice case. At least 13 percent of specialists said that the same had happened to them.

Also, researchers found that at least half of those specialists polled responded that they’d listed as one among several different defendants in the filing of other medical malpractice lawsuits. Only 41 percent of PCPs said the same.

The research also showed that surgeons, obstetricians and gynecologists were the physicians that had the strongest likelihood of being sued. At least 85 of those polled copped to having been sued for medical malpractice.

Otolarynologists had the third highest risk of being sued at 78 percent. Urologists and orthopedists followed close behind at 77 and 76 percent, respectively. At least 73 percent of the responding plastic surgeons noted that they’d previously been sued for malpractice.

Radiologists, emergency room physicians, gastroenterologists and anesthesiologists rounded out the list of the top 10 physicians likely to be sued for malpractice with a score of 61 percent or higher.

If your health declined while under the care of your physician, then a Tampa medical malpractice attorney may advise you of your right to file a lawsuit for medical costs and pain and suffering in your legal matter.

Source: Advisory Board, “The doctors most likely to hear, ‘We’ll see you in court’,” accessed June 01, 2018

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