Lauren and I do not typically spend our time reviewing and recommending books and other publications but I found a book that I just can’t help but recommend: The Medical Malpractice Myth by Tom Baker. Mr. Baker is the Director of the Insurance Law Center at University of Connecticut
We live in Western Virgina…a very beautiful and very conservative place. I cannot tell you how many times I listen to uninformed “friends” tell me how medical malpractice lawsuits is ruining medicine and increasing the costs of providing medical care due to the practice of “defensive medicine.” I quietly listen but the facts belie such assertions. Yes, there are many very smart, caring, and hard-working doctors out there but there is still an unacceptable level of errors and mistakes which maim and kill patients daily.
Don’t agree with me…give this book a quick read and post your comments on this blog. The book provides research proving the following:
1. Medical malpractice is an epidemic that causes thousands of deaths a year.
2. Medical malpractice suits are rare, and are very rarely frivolous.
3. Malpractice insurance premiums aren’t impossibly high.
4. Rising insurance costs are not closely related to litigation.
5. Doctors are not leaving their practices.
My Take: I challenge the followers of our Legal Medicine Blog to read this interesting book and post your comments.