That number may be low, especially where highly skilled nurses are concerned. A study of nurse-malpractice lawsuits in Harvard University medical institutions found that claims against nurse practitioners jumped 16 percent between 1984 and 1992. Insurance experts mostly blame the increase on overzealous lawyers lured by substantial jury awards. But all sides agree the primary reason more nurses are getting sued is, ironically, that they are more skilled than ever before. More vulnerable As their professional roles expand, nurses are naturally becoming more vulnerable to the types of lawsuits that have plagued physicians for years.
Malpractice is the legal term for negligence by any licensed professional.
The financial cost of malpractice is covered by most employers insurance policies, and few experts suggest nurses need their own malpractice insurance. But if malpractice is claimed, the cost to a nurse s career can be staggering. State nursing boards are increasingly likely to suspend or discipline nurses who are found guilty in malpractice suits. Even if the board is lenient, employers may not be. Nurses are required to report their involvement in a malpractice suit to each of their employers for the rest of their professional careers.