I agree with Donna, 100%. As a nurse, I am compelled to carry a minimum five million dollar malpractice insurance policy. Unlike Drs., I cannont "raise my fees" to cover the added financial burden I must incur. Drs of course need to carry far more; then again, they earn on average a minimum $1,000 for every $1.00 I make. Still, I carry no resentment for this added financial strain. I feel much safer practicing my profession being "covered."
Sadly, I know too well the horrifying scenarios that can result from medical errors made "innocently" not to mention those arising from total negligence or incompetence. I feel these victimized patients/families are MORE than entitled to fair compensation for medical negligence, the sometimes unimaginable losses, the literal "pain and suffering." The practictioner as well, needs to be held accountable for his/her actions.
Twice I have been "named" in medical malpractice suits against surgeons/hospitals merely because I was standing in the operating room/recovery room when the "mistake" occurred. I understand fully the hesitation to sue; the concerns over the possible rise in the cost of medical/veterinary care for us all. And sadly, some people do sue without just cause or frivilously.
But sadly, and ironically, often the ONLY way to rid the medical/veterinary profession of incompetent, negligent, unqualified personnel is to sue. That is the only way to prevent them from doing further harm. The medical profession does NOT police themselves. Peer review boards, internal reviews often result in nothing more than a slap on the wrist.
Insurance companies will only cover the pay out for one or two "successful" major law suits before they will deny coverage all together. A practitioner without insurance cannot practice! I don't mean to get into a huge discussion about insurance co.'s and their practices, but.....actually, as reported recently in U.S. News and World Report, only 10% of medical malpractice suits filed are ajudicated in favor of the complainant. That means 90% of the time, the insurance co. and the dr., "wins." As well, the major reason for the high cost of insurance premiums is not the result of thousands of laws suits filed frivolously and won. It is the result of poor investment strategies on the parts of the insurance companies, (they are investing OUR money) resulting in huge losses and the passing on of that loss to us through increased rates.
I have pet insurance and that has cut the total cost of my vet bills enormously. Just about ALL of my "well visits" are completely covered and up to 2,000 of surgery per animal per year. Having 5-6 animals at any one time, and after doing a lot of researching, I found that the only way to go. Plus my vet gives me 10% professional courtesty discount and 10% discount for having 4 or more pets under his care.
I really feel passionately about incompetent practictioners being removed from the profession or at a minimum, having their actions severly scrutinized and reviewed. If "suing" is not an option, I would hope that anyone suffering at the hands of a nurse, dr., dentist, vet, whatever, minimally, report the incident to a peer review board, A.M.A A.V.A., etc. Word of mouth works wonders as well. Reputation is just about everything.
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