Malpractice Insurance for Surgeons

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The fastest way to find the most suitable insurance coverage for surgeons is to fill out our quick quote form, so we can give you an idea of the type of insurance coverage that best suits you.

Westwood Insurance works with a number of different carriers to ensure you have the most suitable insurance coverage at the best price.

why do surgeons need insurance?

Surgeons face a unique set of challenges and high stakes in their profession, making malpractice or liability insurance essential. The nature of surgical work, involving invasive procedures to diagnose, treat, or manage various health conditions, inherently carries significant risks of complications and adverse outcomes. Here are key areas where surgeons are vulnerable to being sued for malpractice:

1. Surgical Errors: This includes errors made during surgery, such as operating on the wrong site (wrong-site surgery), leaving surgical instruments or materials inside the patient, or performing the wrong procedure. These errors can lead to severe patient harm and are among the most direct causes of malpractice suits against surgeons.

2. Postoperative Complications: Complications arising after surgery, such as infections, bleeding, or unexpected adverse reactions, can sometimes be linked to the surgeon’s actions during or after the procedure. While not all complications are preventable, failure to adequately manage or respond to these outcomes can result in claims of negligence.

3. Failure to Obtain Informed Consent: Surgeons must ensure that patients are fully informed about the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the proposed surgical intervention. Failure to obtain proper informed consent can lead to legal action if patients suffer adverse outcomes they were not adequately warned about.

4. Diagnostic Errors: While primarily associated with pre-surgical care, errors in diagnosing a patient’s condition can lead to unnecessary or incorrect surgical interventions, potentially causing harm and opening the surgeon to liability.

5. Failure to Monitor Postoperative Care: Surgeons are responsible for postoperative management or must ensure proper handoff to other care providers. Negligence in monitoring a patient’s recovery or failing to recognize postoperative complications promptly can lead to worsened outcomes and potential lawsuits.

6. Communication Failures: Miscommunication with the surgical team, other healthcare providers, or the patient can lead to errors in the surgical procedure or postoperative care, impacting patient safety and outcomes.

7. Anesthesia Complications: Although anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists typically manage anesthesia, surgeons play a role in preoperative assessments and monitoring. Complications related to anesthesia, if not properly anticipated or managed, can lead to patient harm and implicate the surgical team in malpractice claims.

Malpractice or liability insurance provides financial protection against claims of negligence or malpractice, covering legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments. For surgeons, this insurance is crucial for mitigating the financial and professional risks associated with the complex and high-risk nature of surgical care.

Westwood Insurance work with a number of different carriers to source the most suitable insurance for surgeons at the best price. Contact us today.

Additional Resources

• The cost of malpractice insurance for surgeons. Click here for FAQs.
• Insurance for Cardiothoracic Surgeons
• Insurance for orthopedic surgeons