Medical malpractice suits are, unfortunately, a common occurrence. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, 75% of low-risk and 99% of physicians in high-risk specialties will face a medical malpractice claim by age 65.
Each malpractice incident is tragic, and the claims below show how important credentialing is for the patient. These claim payouts also show the importance of proper medical malpractice insurance for the provider.
Here is a summary of four situations that led to the largest malpractice payouts in the last decade (2010–2020).
1. $74,500,000 Payout
In California, it was alleged that the doctor did not correctly follow procedures when delivering a baby, not using forceps and improperly assessing contractions. As a result, the baby was born with cerebral palsy. Still, the doctor responsible denied that they acted negligently at the time and falsified medical records to cover up what had happened.
2. $58,600,000 Payout
In certain situations, one mistake can lead to catastrophic consequences. A doctor was involved in a high-difficulty birth and, during the process, failed to order a cesarean section promptly. As a result, the baby suffered from severe brain damage that rendered the baby incapable of eating without a tube, walking, or talking.
3. $38,500,000 Payout
Sometimes a medical provider has a lapse in judgment regarding the best care for the client, and there are consequences. When Florida man Dale Whyte went to the doctor with strange cramps in his leg and shoulder, his doctor recommended a procedure that involved the manual manipulation of Whyte’s joints: a procedure that resulted in Whyte having a stroke from the anesthesia. Whyte wound up in a coma for four years due to the stroke from this procedure — a procedure that, the doctor later admitted, was not necessary. The doctor recommended Whyte undergo the joint manipulations because it would be an additional source of income.
4. $31,000,000 Payout
A case in 1998 resurfaced in 2012 when a doctor gave a Florida mother too many medications to induce her labor. As a result, her baby was severely deprived of oxygen during the birthing process and was consequently born with cerebral palsy. It took 14 years, but the case eventually resulted in the legislature approving that $15 million of the verdict-demanded $31 million be paid to the client (due to limits on medical malpractice awards).
When a medical provider is wrong in cases like the ones above, there are ways to ensure the client is adequately compensated and the medical provider does not unduly suffer. Medical malpractice claims are no joke.
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Fifth Avenue Agency specializes in MPLI and medical malpractice insurance, serving 1000s of providers nationwide. Fifth Avenue Agency is part of the Fifth Avenue Healthcare Services family. Sister companies include 5ACVO (credentialing and primary source verification specialists) and Primoris Credentialing Network (credentialing and provider enrollment specialists with 54+ health plan and network provider enrollment options).
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