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Medical Malpractice Reform
Publication Date: December 2007
Publisher(s): National Center for Policy Analysis (U.S.)
Author(s): Joe Barnett; John C. Goodman; Pamela Villarreal
Funder(s): National Center for Policy Analysis (U.S.)
Funder(s): National Center for Policy Analysis (U.S.)
Topic: Law and ethics (Health law)
Keywords: medical reform
Type: Brief
Abstract:
A tort is a wrongful act, injury or damage for which the person harmed can seek monetary compensation in civil court. Medical malpractice occurs when patients are harmed by the error or negligence of health care providers. Physicians and hospitals carry liability insurance to pay malpractice claims. If the parties do not agree on the amount of compensation for an injury, a lawsuit is the traditional American way of settling the dispute.