While doctors are struggling to meet the demand for healthcare due to the pandemic, there are worries about an increase in malpractice lawsuits, as reported by Reuters.
Doctors are demanding that the government and Senators in different states pass laws to protect them from malpractice suits during and after the pandemic.
Why is this happening? Due to the threat of the pandemic and apparent situations in many healthcare centers where the medical team have been completely overwhelmed, doctors are compelled to make decisions and perform treatments quickly, which can lead to less than optimal outcomes.
An example of a problem that can happen in healthcare right now is the use of other methods to revive patients when the correct equipment is not available at the hospital.
There are a number of hospitals that are short-staffed, as many of the healthcare workers that are usually able to work have to quarantine if they themselves become infected with Covid-19. Consequently, there is a growing need for the gap created to be bridged.
Understandably, doctors are asking for protection from malpractice lawsuits. Patients can file for a malpractice suit for unreasonable claims. Considering the tough challenges doctors all over the world are facing right now, due to the pandemic, there are high chances that the cases will go to trial.
But, in is important that gross negligence in hospitals cannot be overlooked, according to CummingsInjuryLaw.com.
On the other hand, allowing malpractice lawsuits during the pandemic can have a significant impact on the cost of Medicare. Malpractice suits are expensive for medical institutes to defend. The processes are lengthy, and the legal fees grow exponentially. Many hospitals indicted in the charges, even in normal times, are made to pay substantial damages, which are transferred to the patients if they are found to be at fault.
What can be done about the situation?
Many proactive steps can be taken to ensure that both parties, the doctors and patients, are protected during the pandemic.
The governors and senators must keep fighting to ensure that the doctors have all they need to provide quality healthcare. In the process, doctors can save more lives and avoid malpractice suits. Patients must also be adequately protected. Under new policies protecting doctors, it is important that patients are not left without any support.
Regardless of the situation, it is crucial for every patient to have the best representation in the event of a malpractice suit. Experts should be hired to examine the case and identify whether there has been malpractice on the part of the doctor. It certainly is a tough call for the governors and senators. What do you think they should do?
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