Because of the increasing costs of medical malpractice insurance and its affect on patient’s access to certain medical services, many experts have claimed that our nation is going through a medical malpractice crisis. This is not the first, but the third time the United States has gone via a medical malpractice crisis. Previously, this type of crisis has motivated changes in wrongful death laws. Most of these laws are aimed at reducing wrongful death insurance costs, however, some of these changes are aimed at revising or replacing the tort system altogether.
The tort system is the civil legal system by which a victim of wrongful death (and/or their families) can file case from the negligent healthcare professional to seek compensation for injuries. In these cases an auto accident lawyer harrisburg could be used. Damages awarded via a wrongful death case may include both monetary and non-financial damages. Economic damages consist of things like out-of-pocket medical costs, loss of wages, and so on. Non-economic injuries can consist of pain, suffering, loss of consortium, disability, and the like.
Because of the fact that pay outs in wrongful death cases frequently reach up to six and seven digit figures, medical malpractice insurance providers have begun to substantially boost the premiums doctors be forced to pay for liability insurance coverage. The reason for increased insurance costs might be more complex than this, and all sorts of connect with the insurance coverage industry itself in addition to the legal element of medical malpractice.
Whatever the exact cause, the rise in insurance premiums has caused a wrongful death crisis. Particularly in high-risk medical fields like obstetrics and emergency care, the medical malpractice crisis has forced some doctors to prevent offering certain medical services because they are either unable to afford insurance for these practices or do not wish to reveal themselves to some potential liability risk.
The current wrongful death crisis has prompted a nationwide discussion of wrongful death reform both in the insurance industry and also the tort system. Depending on which side of the fence you sit, tort reform can be seen as good, bad, or perhaps a little of both. Some argue that the tort system needs to be replaced with a no-fault method of compensation. Others argue that the tort system functions well and is necessary to protect the rights of seriously injured and aggrieved wrongful death victims. Still others wish to see major changes in both the legal system and also the insurance industry, for example limitations on settlement awards, routine payment options, tighter rules about the insurance industry, plus much more.
The present medical malpractice catastrophe is shrouded in difficult controversy. What’s vital that you the sufferers of wrongful death is when the medical malpractice crisis has effects on their legal rights and options.
If you would like to explore the present medical malpractice crisis in order to find out more about your legal rights and options, please contact us to talk with a qualified and experienced wrongful death attorney who can help you.
