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Malpractice Insurance for Surgeons

Malpractice Insurance for Surgeons 

Comprehensive insurance is critical for surgeons to protect their practice and ensure peace of mind. Medical malpractice insurance is essential, covering legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments arising from allegations of negligence or errors during surgery.

General liability insurance provides additional protection against incidents such as injuries occurring in the office or operating room environment, while cyber liability insurance safeguards sensitive patient data against breaches.

Many hospitals and regulatory boards also require surgeons to carry specific types of insurance to maintain privileges and licensure. By securing robust coverage, surgeons can focus on delivering exceptional care to their patients, knowing they are protected against the financial and legal challenges that may arise in their demanding profession.

Get a Free Quote Now

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.

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Malpractice Insurance for Surgeons can include:

  • Option to include general liability insurance
  • Coverage limits of up to $2 million per individual claim
  • Complete authority to approve settlement decisions
  • Protection for telemedicine and telehealth services
  • Legal defense coverage for professional license issues
  • Legal defense expenses covered in addition to liability limits
  • Defense coverage for allegations of sexual misconduct
  • Protection for HIPAA-related privacy violation claims
  • Portable coverage available 24/7, applicable in volunteer work, telehealth roles, per diem, or moonlighting assignments

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

MedPro Group
Core Specialty
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Travelers Insurance
CFC Underwriting
Applied Underwriters
Tokyo Marine Insurance Group
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AIG Insurance
Ironshore
Strategic Comp
MagMutual
Genstar
Beazley
Empro Insurance
Great American Insurance
Skyward Specialty Insurance
Hudson Insurance Group
Huntersure Insurance
MIG Insurance
Kinsale Insurance

What types of Insurance do Surgeons need?

 
General Liability Insurance

General Liability Insurance

General Liability covers medical expenses and attorney fees which result from bodily injuries and property damage that your facility or organization could be legally responsible for.
 
 
Business owner's policy (BOP insurance)

Business owner's policy (BOP) insurance

A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) is a comprehensive insurance package designed for Medical Professionals with small to medium-sized businesses. It provides a blend of liability protection and property insurance.
 
 
Professional Liability Insurance

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional Liability Insurance overs any negligence or mistakes made by the individual surgeons during their practice. It differs from General Liability insurance, which covers the practice itself. 
 
 
Commercial Auto Insurance

Commercial Auto Insurance

This is relevant for surgeons who use a vehicle for practice-related tasks. This insurance covers you against auto accidents, theft, and other vehicle-related incidents.
 
 
workers compensation insurance

Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers Compensation Insurance is usually mandated by law. It protects surgeons practices and employees in case of work-related injuries or illnesses.
 
 
Cyber Liability Insurance

Cyber Liability Insurance

Covers you against financial losses associated with data breaches, cyber attacks, and other cyber incidents. Insurers will usually conduct rigorous testing of your online system to fix vulnerabilities as part of this policy.
 
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08 Nov, 2023

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Hayley Shryock
30 June, 2023

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Kathy Natale

Kathy Natale
25 Sept, 2024

Speak with an Insurance Professional

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Michael Richards

Michael specializes in sourcing the most suitable insurance for surgeons at the best price. You can call him or fill out the form and he will get your message directly.

Call 216-502-4967 or
Fill Out the Form