Take a deep breath! Statistically all dentists will face a malpractice lawsuit in their career. It does not mean that you practice bad medicine, and this is why you purchase malpractice insurance.
Step 1: It is critical to promptly notify your malpractice carrier if any incident arises that may result in action against you. Familiarizing yourself with the following information and guidelines is crucial, as it enables us to offer expert claim handling and support.
What to Report to Your malpractice carrier:
- Demand for money
- Verbal or written threat of legal action
- Formal paperwork naming you as a defendant or witness
- Attorney’s letter of intent or 90-day notice
- Request for arbitration, deposition, or interview
- Subpoena, summons, complaint, notice of a lawsuit, or small claims court notice
- Types of Incidents Leading to Claims and Requiring Reporting:
Report any incident related to diagnosis or treatment that could contribute to:
- Death
- Diminished life expectancy
- Birth injuries
- Loss of an extremity
- Injury to or impairment of a body organ
- Loss or impairment of any of the five senses
- Severe disfigurement
- Verbal or written threats
- Harassment by a patient or family
Additional Recommendations for Defensibility:
- Do not alter medical records.
- Securely store medical records
- Keep copies of correspondence separate from patient charts.
- Obtain signatures before releasing medical information.
- Refrain from discussing the event with anyone except claim specialist or defense attorney.
- Avoid contact with anyone associated with the case except authorized personnel.
When it comes to navigating the complexities of malpractice insurance claims, DIS stands out as your dedicated partner. From professional liability to cyber liability, office packages, and more —we're run by dentists for dentists and we are committed to guiding you through the intricacies of malpractice challenges. Trust DIS to be your ally in safeguarding your dental practice, offering specialized coverage, and providing steadfast support.
Contact us today by visiting www.DentistInsuranceServices.com or calling 850.877.7597