When Michigan Medical Malpractice Claims are filed against a doctor or hospital, they are normally encouraged not to take responsibility for the action by apologizing. However, a study conducted by the University of Michigan Health System has concluded that taking responsibility for mistakes may cut costs.
According to an article from U.S. News, the “Disclosure, Apology, and Offer” model was implemented at the University of Michigan’s health facilities in four years ago. The system has yielded a 60 percent decline in legal costs, and a 36 percent reduction in the number of medical malpractice claims filed against the group.
The model works by hospitals informing patients of mistakes as soon as they are recognized, followed by offering apologies and settlements to the victims.
Other facilities that later adopted the model have also seen dramatic cuts in costs. Stanford University, for example, saves an average of $3.2 million per year under the new policy.
Considering the new system reduces the number of medical malpractice lawsuits, it may also improve the health of doctors. Studies have shown that doctors facing lawsuits have a higher rate of divorce, heart attacks, and suicide.
The Michigan Personal Injury Lawyers with Michigan Injury Lawyers recognize how devastating the effects of a medical mistake can be, and they are here to help if a doctor or medical staff’s mistake has harmed you.