Side Note: Wrong-site, wrong-person surgeries are totally preventable –in theory. What we are finding is that despite “universal protocols,” and massive education efforts, major, even deadly, surgical errors are still occurring in alarming numbers. What are we learning about this physician liability? In 2006, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality requested that a study […]

side note: We here at Cunningham Group have been following this closely since this is in our backyard. Granted, we insure physicians and other healthcare professionals across the nation, but we got started in Illinois and share the same concerns stated in this study, because our numbers are showing something very similar. In addition, we […]

Side Note: this article reports on a new study that examined the merit of apologizing for errors in medicine.  Its finding were consistent with previous research – admitting fault for a medical mistake, apologizing, and offering a fair settlement can help reduce legal costs and cut down on claims.  Good communication with patients is an […]

Side Note: this article from New Jersey publication NJ Spotlight discusses recent intensified calls by advocate groups for reform to the state medical malpractice system.  Groups representing interests in medicine, law, business, and nursing have ramped up their efforts in support of tort reform legislation as a response to the growing shortage of physicians in […]

Side Note: This article reports on newly released data from the AMA.  The AMA’s survey collected a variety of information on malpractice cases  from a large number of physicians.  The results showed that a sizable majority of physicians over 55 have been sued, and that a majority of doctors will probably be sued in their […]

side note: Once again a state faces a critical choice in keeping high-risk specialties within it’s borders. Nevada faces a crucial test over the law that limits non-economic damages in medical malpractice suits to $350,000. Most physicians, and Cunningham Group, argue that this has allowed physicians from most specialties to remain in the state b/c […]

Side Note: this article from the Wall Street Journal blog reports on new challenges to caps on non-economic damages in Nevada malpractice cases.  Opponents of tort reform are arguing that the cap is per claim, not per event, a murky point in the law.  This development is cause for concern, as Nevada has had problems […]

Side Note: this article highlights the results of a study that examined expert witnesses in medical malpractice cases.  The researchers found that an expert witness in a lawsuit against a radiologist testified that the original doctor should have recognized a fracture in a CT scan, but 31 out of 31 other radiologists who examined the […]

Side Note: this article from The Hill reports on a bill currently in Congress, aimed at subsidizing malpractice insurance costs for physicians volunteering at community health centers.  Currently, the high liability insurance cost of volunteering makes it essentially impossible for most physicians to volunteer, though many would like to.  This bill would allow physicians to […]