Bad results or medical malpractice in pain medicine: Ways to prevent a suit and what to do once a suit is inevitable

Abstract

An unfortunate reality of medical practice is that many clinicians will be a target of malpractice litigation during their career. This article describes the critical issues involved in understanding malpractice law. We examine the differences between a malpractice suit and a bad outcome. The article also examines the actions a physician can take to improve their litigation risks and outcomes. The critical factors needed to defend a physician in a medical malpractice suit are also detailed. Conclusion. This article discusses how to prevent malpractice litigation against an interventional pain physician and the appropriate actions once a bad result has occurred. © 2008 by American Academy of Pain Medicine.