Electronic Health Records Continue to Lead to Medical Malpractice Suits
We analyzed 216 medical malpractice claims that closed from 2010 to 2018 in which EHRs contributed to patient injury. The pace of these claims grew, from a low of seven cases in 2010 to an average of 22.5 cases per year in 2017 and 2018. As EHRs approach near-universal adoption, they may become a more prevalent source of patient safety risk.
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Responding to Requests for Dental Records and the Consequences of Refusing
This risk management discussion can help dental professionals avoid complaints, investigations, and sanctions when they respond to dental record requests.
The Malpractice Experience of Orthopedic Surgeons 2011 to 2021: Patient Selection and Communication May Mitigate Risk of Claims
This study analyzed 1559 closed medical malpractice claims and suits (814 ambulatory, 745 inpatient) from the loss years of 2011 to 2021 in which orthopedic surgeons were the major responsible service.
Diagnostic Error in General Surgery: Cognitive Bias and Systems Issues in Medical Malpractice Claims (Abstract)
Although claims against general surgeons primarily allege technical surgical-type errors, diagnostic error is the second most frequent allegation against or case type for general surgeons. Analysis of malpractice claims can elucidate the causes of and solutions to diagnostic errors. This study considers differences between diagnostic errors, both cognitive and systemic, committed by general surgeons in the inpatient vs. the outpatient setting.
Medical and Dental Record Issues: Frequently Asked Questions
We answer questions frequently asked by members about medical and dental records, such as length of retention, how to destroy hard copy paper records, and creating backups of electronic health records.
July 01, 2025, MedCentral
Malpractice Risks for Neurologists: How to Avoid a Lawsuit
Diagnostic error is the most prevalent reason for lawsuits against neurologists, occurring in about one-third of the claims. Experts share top strategies to reduce malpractice risk, including documentation, vigilance about differential diagnoses, and more.
Dec 05, 2025
Pain Management Insights: Lessons From Malpractice Cases
Our on-demand accredited education program “Pain Management Insights: Lessons From Malpractice Cases” reviews recent pain management malpractice claim trends to identify practical tips to reduce risks in medical practices.
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The Doctor’s Advocate
March 14, 2022, KevinMD
Tackling Trial Delays, Social Inflation, and Skeptical Jurors in a Pandemic World
Marco Spadacenta, Senior Vice President of Claims for The Doctors Company, discusses the changing face of trials and jurors and suggests what can be done in light of these changes to successfully defend physicians in medical malpractice cases.
Contributing Factors to Medical Malpractice Claims: Study Examines Difference Between No-Payment and Indemnity Claims
In November 2023, The Doctors Company released a study on diagnosis-related medical malpractice claims with an indemnity over $1 million. Now, to expand our understanding, we have conducted a new analysis: Do contributing factors differ between malpractice claims with no payment and claims with indemnity payments?
Interventional Radiology Wrong-Site Procedure: Case Review
This case review explores factors contributing to a wrong-site procedure and highlights strategies that can help practitioners mitigate risk and increase safety.
