Four recent developments in the public and private malpractice insurance sectors spell good news for physicians and have some industry officials declaring that Pa. is beginning to turn a corner on its malpractice crisis.

Where there is at least some merit to the claim and the risk of proceeding to trial is deemed to be too great, mediation or another form of ADR should be considered.

Recent studies found that "high-risk" patients may be not be getting the care they need because of defensive medicine and other physician practice changes induced by the threat of liability.

By enhancing communication and service excellence, a physician can reduce professional liability risk and simultaneously enhance a practice’s bottom line through higher patient satisfaction.

In Pa.., there are several tools which are available to deter baseless claims. Each has advantages and disadvantages from the defense perspective.

As a tool to settle litigation between plaintiffs and defendants, mediation can reduce the number of malpractice cases that go to trial and avoid the risk of high jury awards for plaintiffs, while also greatly expediting case resolution and saving on protracted legal costs for plaintiffs and defendants.

Physicians must continually be aware of new developments in the law. One of the most recent and troubling developments in Pa. and other states is the expansion of the Doctrine of Informed Consent.

After being served with a frivolous lawsuit, a doctor can request his or her defense lawyer to file a countersuit

Malpractice claims against physicians continue to increase at an alarming rate every year. Many physicians have turned to basic asset protection strategies as a means by which to protect personal assets from the claims of litigants and other creditors.

Malpractice suits are generally experienced as an assault on a physician’s competence and integrity. While they can’t choose whether to be sued, physicians can choose how to respond to a malpractice complaint.