Insight
No part of a medical malpractice lawsuit creates more intense emotion for physicians than going to trial. Fear, anger, self-doubt, shame and anxiety, moments of clarity, calm, certainty, and relief — all can wax and wane as events unfold. The way you manage your emotions as you navigate a medical malpractice trial will not only impact upon you at a personal level; your emotional self-management can impact on the tone and outcome of the trial itself. Let’s take a look.
Although most medical malpractice lawsuits in the United States resolve by dismissal or settlement, roughly 10% go to trial. For many physicians, the idea of being on trial is frightening and the process stressful. As in every life situation, though, having more information can help to reduce the fear factor. So today, let’s kick off a series of posts related to going to trial. We’ll start by outlining the process of a medical malpractice trial.
When a medical malpractice lawsuit begins, physicians may have no idea of what to expect or what the possible outcomes might be. Many are surprised to learn that most medical malpractice lawsuits never end up in a courtroom. In some cases, a settlement is reached. Today, let’s explore a few of physicians’ most frequently asked questions regarding medical malpractice settlements.
Now and then, I hear from a physician whose experience with their medical malpractice defense attorney was or is less than ideal. How frustrating! On the one hand, they’re in unfamiliar territory, and on the other, they lack confidence in the person who’s to lead them through it. As we wrap up this series on your relationship with your attorney, let’s ask: what can you do if your relationship with your med mal defense lawyer just isn’t working well?
Medical malpractice defense attorneys have clear ideas about what constitutes their ideal physician-client. Good news! The qualities they look for physicians and other professional healers often possess in abundance. What’s more, none of them expects us to know the law in advance. Let’s take a look at the top 7 ways to be an ideal physician-defendant client.
VIDEO — In the midst of litigation, I learned something very interesting about myself — I suffered from a “follower-ship deficit”! A conscious effort to let my med mal defense attorney lead served me well, and may do the same for you. Come explore three leadership roles your med mal defense attorney can play for you.
