The four possible alternatives are:
- Health court. Specialized judges using neutral experts under preset timelines and compensation schedules would create consistent rulings and streamline the legal process.
- Early offer. Within 180 days of filing the claim, defendants would have the option of offering to pay injured patients’ economic damages and attorneys’ fees. Gross negligence must be proven to win in court.
- Disclosure and apology. The provider discloses medical errors to the patient and apologizes without admitting fault.
- Medical review panel. Before trial, a panel of medical and legal experts screens merits of the case and its conclusions could be used in the trial.
Read the AM News report on medical malpractice.
