When a medical professional causes harm, the first question is who is responsible. Liability makes a major difference in how your claim is handled because it determines who is financially responsible for your suffering. If you are unsure about details like medical professional liability, it can impact your medical malpractice case.
If you are seeking compensation for a malpractice claim, be sure that you understand how medical professional liability can impact you. Making decisions without this knowledge can hurt you over time and impact your claim. Be sure you are prepared to deal with these fault laws before you get started.
What Is Medical Professional Liability?
Medical professional liability refers to who is responsible for your injuries in a medical malpractice claim. Generally, a medical professional is responsible for their actions to a patient – they are a highly trained medical personnel. Because of this, specialized medical malpractice lawyers in Pittsburgh share that medical professionals may be held accountable when they make a mistake.
However, doctors are not always the ones responsible for claims like these. While they may have caused the medical injury or worsening illness, fault may instead fall on the professionals who hire them. That includes hospitals and doctor groups.
When a hospital or doctor group hires a doctor, they become liable for them as an employee. Hospitals and doctor groups are responsible for ensuring they are engaging in appropriate hiring and training procedures. Because of this, if one of their doctors makes a mistake, it can reflect back on the hospital.
What Does Medical Professional Liability Insurance Cover?
If you have been injured by medical malpractice, medical professional liability insurance may be an option. Many hospitals and doctor groups are expected to carry this to protect both patients affected and doctors who may face severe penalties otherwise. This insurance provides a buffer between these two groups.
This insurance policy type can cover many of the damages you may suffer because of your injuries. For example, you may need further medical treatment, time off work, and other ongoing costs covered. This insurance settlement can help you recover.
How Does Medical Professional Liability Affect a Malpractice Claim?
When a medical professional injures you through their negligence, it can lead to a medical malpractice claim. However, medical professional liability may not fall on the doctor who injured you. That could impact your malpractice claim in significant ways, as you may not be suing who you think you are.
One of the biggest ways this makes a difference is when plaintiffs go from pursuing compensation against the doctor to filing a lawsuit against the hospital they work for. Because the hospital hires them, they are then responsible for the doctor’s actions. That means you may have a different liable party for your case than you think. Working with a personal injury attorney in Pittsburgh can help determine who is liable in your case.
Should I Accept a Medical Professional Liability Insurance Settlement Offer?
When you are offered one of these insurance settlements, it can be tempting to take it. It may even seem like it is enough to cover your medical and other life costs. However, accepting a medical professional liability insurance offer may not be the best choice for your case, especially if you could recover more if your case went to trial.