How can I protect myself against medical malpractice professional liability?

If you are a physician, the only way to protect yourself against potential medical malpractice claims, is to buy professional liability insurance. You might find it expensive but don't forget that accidents do happen, even to the best and most experienced doctors. Medical malpractice lawsuits are common, and being unprotected in such an event can have financially devastating consequences for you.

How Much Is Too Much?

Medical malpractice professional liability insurance is typically very expensive, which is why many physicians decide to work in groups to reduce their premium rates. In some states medical malpractice insurance rates can go up to $100,000 per year. Exorbitant, isn't it? But think about the liability risks that doctors, especially those working in the ER, and in the areas of neurosurgery and orthopaedics, are exposed to on a daily basis. A tiny mistake can cost them millions in medical malpractice damages. Not if they have professional liability insurance which will pay any damages to the injured party in the potential event of a medical incident.

How Medical Malpractice Professional Liability Insurance Works

Any medical professional can buy a professional liability policy by filling out the "physicians, surgeons and dentists professional liability coverage form".

There are two insuring agreements to a Physicians professional liability policy:

• Coverage A outlines the conditions in which the insurance provider will cover the damages that the insured is legally obligated to pay the injured third party. In order for the insurer to pay those damages, there needs to have been a medical accident that has been the direct cause of the claimant's injuries or losses. Medical malpractice liability insurance policies do not provide protection against general liability. Coverage A can be extended to protect against medical malpractice liability other physicians working in a team with the insured.
• Coverage B outlines the protection that healthcare professionals have while working in group - surgeons usually opt for this coverage since they are the ones who most frequently work in medical groups.

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