Malpractice Information

In any verdict returned against a health care provider in an action for malpractice where the act or acts of malpractice occurred on or after August 1, 1999, which is tried by a jury or in any judgment entered against a health care provider in such an action which is tried without a jury, the total amount recoverable for nay injury to, or death of, a patient shall not exceed $1.5 million.  Prior to that date, the maximum amount recoverable per claim cannot exceed $1 million. 

The maximum recovery limit of $1.5 million shall increase on July 1, 2000 and each July 1 thereafter by $50,000 per year; however the annual increase on July 1, 2007, and the annual increase on July 1, 2008, shall be $75,000 per year.  Each annual increase shall apply to the act or acts of malpractice occurring on or after the effective date of the increase.  The July 1, 2008 increase shall be the final annual increase.  This applies to all health care providers.  Certificate of Insurance on file should reflect these yearly increases.

 Many physicians are experiencing high premiums and difficulty finding affordable professional liability insurance. This “crisis” that some physicians are facing is largely due to recent years of high malpractice claim jury awards, a competitive insurance market and changes in the stock market affecting carrier reserves. As a service to our physicians, Gateway Health maintains partnerships that allow us to assist you with finding competitive plans. With one call to us, you can obtain quotes from leading A and above rated companies in the nation. Our partners also offer Commercial insurance Coverage such as: