Comments made by colleagues and consultants may set the stage for a patient to seek an attorney. Reasons Physician-patient communication remains a principal cause of malpractice suits. 4 Quality of care is apparently not the cardinal determinant in the decision to initiate a malpractice action. Patients report that physicians were uncaring or not compassionate, made them feel rushed, and did not answer their questions. Some patients report that they sued a physician only to obtain answers that were otherwise not provided.
Patient satisfaction is critical.
The combination of a dissatisfied patient and a bad outcome is the fuse for a malpractice allegation. Effects of Malpractice Litigation Allegations of malpractice cut to the heart of every physician. The effects of malpractice litigation on physicians, families, and office staff are insidious and dramatic. Malpractice litigation is a protracted process frequently taking years to complete, subjecting the physician, family and office staff to an array of emotional and psychological effects. Physicians are usually shocked that the patient has initiated a malpractice action.