l&d and malpractice

Published

Specializes in Med/Surg.

Throughout nursing school I wanted to work l&d however out of school I got a med surg position which I've held and enjoyed for the past three years. Now after having my second son my passion for l&d seems to have been rekindled. However I'm concerned about the fact that someone can sue you 18-21 years after you cared for them, as such I was wondering if working in l&d you carry your own

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

I don't work L&D but I still carry my own insurance and will continue too... I pay less than 100.00 a year for my policy.. I would rather have it and never need it than be sued and screwed :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

In a word - yes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, geriatric, renal.

those of you that said yes you do have it...where do you guys get yours from?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, & ED.

How do we search for this type of insurance? A reputable one?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

Nursing Services Organization.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

I don't. As long as I'm working within my scope of practice, my facility covers my med-mal, even 18 years later. Having my own private med-mal makes me much more likely to be co-named in a lawsuit.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, progressive care.

NSO is one. I have Proliability, which for me was cheaper than NSO.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB, Med/Surg, Ortho, ICU.

I get mine through State Farm

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice.

I spoke with an attorney while in nursing school who recommended that as long as I don't have assets, is more of a risk than anything. When someone decides to sue, it is not going to be worth suing the nurse unless the nurse has significant assets and/or a decent malpractice policy. So I don't carry insurance, but I also work in hospice. I have a large mortgage, I don't own my cars, and I have a minimal retirement account.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I don't. As long as I'm working within my scope of practice, my facility covers my med-mal, even 18 years later. Having my own private med-mal makes me much more likely to be co-named in a lawsuit.

Your facility policy covers you as long as there is no conflict of interest. The second that the plaintiff's legal team finds that something you did deviated from accepted P&P and could have contributed in some way to the plaintiff's damages, your hospital attorneys will most likely drop you like a hot potato and let you fend for yourself. They will only look out for you if it benefits them.

I spoke with an attorney while in nursing school who recommended that as long as I don't have assets, malpractice insurance is more of a risk than anything. When someone decides to sue, it is not going to be worth suing the nurse unless the nurse has significant assets and/or a decent malpractice policy. So I don't carry insurance, but I also work in hospice. I have a large mortgage, I don't own my cars, and I have a minimal retirement account.
Not sure what kind of attorney this was, but you were given bogus information.

First, who has insurance and how much indemnity they carry is not part of discovery. The other side has no right to this information at any time, so this tired cliche about deciding whom to sue based on their insurance is unlikely unless a nurse walks around bragging about her policy.

Second, it doesn't matter if you don't have much in the way of assets today. Judgment can attach to future earnings and assets. So, even if you live in your car now, if you do intend to someday own a home and build a savings account, you need to protect yourself.

I find all these excuses not to carry professional shortsighted. The premium for an entire year costs less than one hour of attorney service if you should find yourself in need. It covers you if you volunteer your services as a nurse and they'll also help you if you're summoned as a witness against doc or a co-worker. The hospital policy won't do anything for you in those situations.

I especially hate the old saw that having "deep pockets" makes you more likely to be sued. Plaintiff's attorneys name all kinds of people in a lawsuit, and, as I mentioned earlier, it isn't based on their knowledge of who has what insurance and how much they carry.

It just makes sense to pay the very reasonable premium and enjoy some peace of mind. I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

Agree with the above. I was recently involved, with several other people, in a large suit for our hospital. Not once was I asked about my insurance that I carry, nor were any of them. Carrying your own insurance does NOT put you at more risk. When you work in a high risk area it makes sense to carry your own. If you deviate one iota from hospital P/P you are liable.

It will also cover legal cost if you are assaulted at work, in addition to the other things just mentioned.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion