Dental

Claims Overview: Types of Malpractice Claims

Why should I care how a malpractice claim made against me is handled?

We hope you never experience a lawsuit. Unfortunately, a typical dentist in the United States is sued on average once in his or her career (more or less depending on location). With this inevitability in mind, it is important to remember that claims defense is really the basic service that you are purchasing with your premium dollars. You are purchasing the insurer’s promise to defend you and pay for damages should you be sued in the future. Nothing else is as important as your confidence that your insurance company will provide you the strongest possible claims defense. After all, settlement of a claim involves more than money—it can have a long-term negative effect on your reputation, your practice. 

Evaluating the Claims Process

Do all insurance companies handle the defense of malpractice claims the same way?

Plaintiff attorneys who take malpractice cases usually specialize in liability litigation. They are typically masters of the malpractice domain who understand the venue, the individual judges, specific state laws as well as clinical dentistry issues and how they apply to the laws of your specific state. Therefore, it is extremely important to select a malpractice insurance company that has the same level of expertise, specifically in malpractice.

What is risk management and how can it help me?

The strongest malpractice insurance coverage will not only defend you in a lawsuit, but will also arm you with tools to help prevent a lawsuit in the first place. Risk management is a loss prevention process that helps dentists prevent potential malpractice liability by enhancing the quality of patient care and satisfaction.

While most malpractice insurers provide risk management programs, the quality and expertise can vary considerably. This may include Continuing Education courses, online programs, publications and practice assessment tools. However, a quality risk management program should be comprehensive in scope and support the core philosophy of the company.

Newly graduated dentists often underestimate the importance of risk management services when selecting their malpractice insurance. It’s only when they have a patient in the chair with a serious concern that they realize how valuable this service can be.

 
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