Medical Malpractice for Individuals

Medical malpractice insurance protects physicians and other licensed healthcare professionals (e.g., dentists, nurses) from liability associated with wrongful practices resulting in bodily injury, medical expenses and property damage as well as the cost of defending lawsuits related to such claims.

Here at G&M Insurance Services Inc., we provide financial protection in the event of a claim and regularly review our clients' coverage to ensure you are getting not only the best price but coverage that keeps at pace with your practice.

As an individual, it’s important to choose the right medical malpractice protection as malpractice insurance is one of the largest annual practice-related expenses you may face, costing thousands of dollars each year.

Medical malpractice occurs when a hospital, doctor or other healthcare professionals, through a negligent act or omission, causes an injury to a patient. The negligence might be the result of errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare or health management.

To be considered medical malpractice under US law (other territories may vary), the claim must have the following characteristics:

• A violation of the standard of care
• An injury was caused by the negligence
• The injury resulted in significant damages

Here are some examples of medical negligence that might lead to a lawsuit:

• Failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis
• Misreading or ignoring laboratory results
• Unnecessary surgery
• Surgical errors or wrong site surgery
• Improper medication or dosage
• Poor follow-up or aftercare
• Premature discharge
• Disregarding or not taking appropriate patient history
• Failure to order proper testing
• Failure to recognize symptoms

There are two basic types of malpractice policies, claims-occurrence or claims-made.

Most insurers will only write on a claims-made basis, where only the policy in effect at the time a claim is reported responds for the loss, regardless of when the negligence occurred. This period can sometimes be extended backward with a “retroactive date” and coverage can also be extended forwards with an “extended reporting period”, however, this may affect an increase in premiums.

The other type of insurance is claims-occurrence. This policy will cover for any negligence that occurs within the policy period regardless of when a claim is brought against insurers.

For further information about our medical malpractice insurance give us a call on 00 1 (832) 681 8657 or take a look at our Medical Malpractice Insurance for Individuals Healthcare Practitioners Brochure.