Malpractice Insurance???

Oct 04, 2001 05:54 PM

by Thunderkat

Today at work we had a very heated debate on Malpractice Insurance..... We were arguing about how much, if at all you can count on your hospital or facility to back you up in the event of an incident that turns into a lawsuit . Apparently one of my co workers have been named in a lawsuit and was told that the hospital would not be representing her. She then lamented on how she did not know what to do and was concerned. So, my question.... what do you think????
1. do you have personal liability/malpractice insurance???
2. what made you purchase it?
3. what company has the best policy....?
4. if you do not have it, why not?

I am just curious if this is a concern/ issue out there?
I would appreciate any replies.....
thanks and have a great day!!

ICUBecky · Oct 04, 2001, 06:25 PM

I have my own personal insurance from NSO. I don't know if i really need it...but it kind of gives me peace of mind. i hope that i will never have to be in a situation like your friend, but i have heard numerous stories of ppl that were. so instead of risking it...i thought i'd get it. have a good day!!

deespoohbear · Oct 04, 2001, 06:35 PM

I also have my own insurance policy. I wouldn't trust my facility to back me up in a lawsuit. Plus, your facility's policy wouldn't cover you if you were off duty and performed some nursing function say like at the scene of an accident. People are so lawsuit

Happy today, someone would probably sue you for looking at them sideways. My motto is : CYA !!!!

frustratedRN · Oct 04, 2001, 06:38 PM

i didnt think i needed it until i talked to one of the ER nurses.
he was involved in a case where an assitant drew blood and forgot to put the bed back down. the patient fell and of course the RN was sued along with the hospital and the assistant.
the hospital represented them and settled out of court.
they then sued the nurse for their money back.

that scenario sounds about right.

*canoehead* · Oct 04, 2001, 06:49 PM

If ever I have a legal question or am involved in a lawsuit counsel from the hospital is all well and good, but I want to be able to speak to someone who represents MY interests. I certainly do not think any hospital will make decisions with anything other than their own best interests in mind- and why should they?

If you want your ass covered you need to do it yourself. I figure that even all I get from insurance is some guy that confirms that hospital legal counsel is not jerking me around it will be worth the money. Frankly, it is worth the money not to have to worry about it.

nhcc · Oct 04, 2001, 07:00 PM

Reading the comments thus far regarding insurance for or against, sounds as if a good many people believe in being safe. I fully concur, however one of the issues that hasn't been raised is the different types of insurance. (At least this is the case in Canada, and I would assume the same in the U.S.

There is one type that will cover you as long as you pay the premiums ie. as long as you are with that particular insurance company. There is another type that covers you for a certain period after. Lawsuits don't always happen immediately after the incident therefore it would be nice to know that in the event of a switch in carriers, you'd still be covered for previous incidents. When I purchased insurance the last time, the difference was explained, so be sure you ask questions of the insurance carrier.

debbyed · Oct 04, 2001, 07:00 PM

NSO

I have always carried malpractice insurance through NSO and thank my lucky star's I have never had to use it. The cost is worth the peace of mind.

Why do I carry my own??? Never trusted any of the facilities I worked for with my license or my life. Do you???

purplemania · Oct 04, 2001, 08:31 PM

Have never been sued but have mal. ins. thru my homeowner's policy. I would not trust my facility to look out for my interests.

Thunderkat · Oct 04, 2001, 09:42 PM

Thanks. I am going to print out all of these replies and bring them to work..... I think it is an important issue. I appreciate it.

CEN35 · Oct 05, 2001, 09:22 AM

Wow!

This debate keeps popping up over and over!!! I think this can be dabted until your blue in the face. Then end decision is a personal one. I pay for it, it's $84 a year. I go through PBG I think? There was another recent discussion like this, scroll back a bit you can find it there. Guess we'll see how good it works on 10/10/01!!! That will be my 1st time with the courts (other than for ETOH draws) in over 5 years.

me

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Malpractice Insurance???

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