Empty pockets for some Maryland medical malpractice claimants

When one is considering a surgery, whether elective or medically necessary, one question that rarely comes up between patient and doctor is that of insurance coverage — on the doctors part. A bill that was set before Maryland state lawmakers has made its way to the House for consideration. Senate Bill 195 will help a patient know whether or not his or her doctor or a doctor under consideration is insured. The bill proposed would require doctors practicing in the state of Maryland to tell the Maryland Board of Physicians whether they have medical malpractice insurance and that information must be made available on their public profiles. The bill was proposed by a father and son who lost a wife and mother in what they say should have been a simple surgery.

The woman had gone in for liposuction and a tummy tuck in 2005. After a 10-hour surgery, the doctor kept her overnight at the surgery center. Three days later, her husband woke up and found his wife dead.

An autopsy revealed that the victim had died from a cardiac arrhythmia. Her family sued the doctor and won in court, but never saw a penny. As it turns out, the doctor did not have malpractice insurance.

Mishandled care while under the supervision of a doctor or medical professional can leave the victim in pain and unable to work. Family members are helpless and often become the round the clock primary care provider. A knowledgeable Maryland attorney can help a family who has been injured by a doctor’s carelessness or oversight navigate a medical malpractice claim process and seek financial relief that could help with lost wages and medical expenses.

Source: baltv.com, “Bill would hold doctors more accountable“, Lisa Robinson, March 14, 2017