Study Provides Indicator of Liability Trends: Notable Increase in Extreme Indemnity Payments
September 1, 2020
A study of medical professional liability claims in JAMA Internal Medicine offers some positive statistics and alarming findings, especially in the area of catastrophic indemnity payments.
The good news is claims frequency has decreased since the medical liability crisis of the early 2000s.
However, payments per claim and closed claim counts have risen.
Unfortunately, closed claims greater than $10 million are showing a troubling upward trajectory. These especially high verdicts and settlements are often associated with obstetrical care and neurosurgery. These two specialties had the highest percentages of catastrophic indemnity payments. A July 2020 obstetrics case verdict came in at $230 million, establishing the largest medical liability verdict ever in the United States.
When a claim or investigation is initiated, it is important that you contact ISMIE immediately. We accept secure claims reporting online, via email or over the phone at 800-782-4767.
A study of medical professional liability claims in JAMA Internal Medicine offers some positive statistics and alarming findings, especially in the area of catastrophic indemnity payments.
The good news is claims frequency has decreased since the medical liability crisis of the early 2000s.
However, payments per claim and closed claim counts have risen.
Unfortunately, closed claims greater than $10 million are showing a troubling upward trajectory. These especially high verdicts and settlements are often associated with obstetrical care and neurosurgery. These two specialties had the highest percentages of catastrophic indemnity payments. A July 2020 obstetrics case verdict came in at $230 million, establishing the largest medical liability verdict ever in the United States.
When a claim or investigation is initiated, it is important that you contact ISMIE immediately. We accept secure claims reporting online, via email or over the phone at 800-782-4767.