Although physicians win the majority of verdicts, countless more are settled before trial. A physician suggests no-fault, worker’s comp-style malpractice:
More than any other issue, malpractice is responsible for physician dissatisfaction. We need to eliminate the corrupt practices that are allowed in many state malpractice systems. Practices such as medical expert testimonies that come at a high price and reinforce the “hired gun” theory, and attorneys’ ability to increase their contingency fees by getting waivers from their clients. But the most corrupt is the offer of compromise or settlement. Many doctors look upon them as legalized forms of extortion.There has got to be a better way of dealing with malpractice. I think the best way would be to have a workers’ compensation type of program that would get needed money to patients quicker and would not destroy doctors in the meantime.
