Settlements of medical malpractice cases are reported by insurance companies to the Department of Health. Of course, the larger the settlement the more attention the matter will bring. However, while OPMC can investigate any settlement, it usually begins to look at a physician more carefully if there are several settlements in a relatively short period of time. This can be proof that the physician has a problem of some type, be it incompetence, a substance abuse issue or some other systemic difficulty that might put patients in danger. Also, multiple settlements will be reported on OPMC’s website for the public to see. So, be careful when you give your consent to settle a malpractice case as a payment may bring you up on OPMC’s radar screen.
This informational blog post was brought to you by Paul E. Walker, an experienced New York City OPMC & OPD Lawyer.
