A Liability Agent's Perspective on Claims
We’re pleased to have Jason Leander, Executive Director of MyMedicalMalpracticeInsurance.com, available to discuss how liability claims are viewed from a liability agent‘s perspective. Jason’s job brings him in contact with doctors of all specialties in almost all 50 states. He has seen it all, and specializes in finding doctors liability coverage if they have had claims.
Jason, thanks for being here.
Please explain to our audience how you, as a liability agent, view insurance claims.
Sadly, liability claims are an unfortunate by-product of practicing medicine today. Most doctors will have a claim at some point in their careers. Even if the claim is frivolous or the doctor is victorious in court, it is still a very stressful and time consuming part of the job. As part of my day-to-day activities, I advise my doctors frequently how to avoid claims, minimize claims and how to market yourself to liability insurance companies if you have had claims.
Keep Calm and Carry On. The most important thing I advise my liability clients is to use the old WWII adage, “Keep Calm and Carry On.” It’s very easy for a doctor who’s going through a claim to react negatively and become consumed by it. This is dangerous because it distracts the doctor from the patients he or she is currently seeing, and may open the doctor up to further claims down the road. Instead, we advise our doctors to separate the claim from their normal day-to-day business and concentrate on delivering good health care to their patients.
Many times, I’ll speak with a new liability client that is worried that his or her claims history will preclude him or her from finding liability coverage. They’ve been told by their colleagues that if you’ve had too many claims that you’ve become “uncoverable.” I tell all my clients, that unless you’ve done something criminal, you will always have options for liability coverage. You may pay a higher price for coverage, but you will always have coverage, and usually with a quality carrier. The key to avoiding higher costs is to have your liability agent send out your application to as many carriers as possible.
