“The consultation lasted just 15 minutes. The legal proceedings lasted almost five years.”
For healthcare professionals, business insurance medical claims are not limited to complex surgeries or high-risk procedures. A routine consultation, a missed or delayed diagnosis, a medication error or incomplete clinical records can potentially result in a claim – turning an ordinary day at work into a lengthy and costly legal process.
Common Causes of Business Insurance Medical Malpractice Claims
Medical malpractice allegations can stem from a range of circumstances, including:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Medication or treatment errors
- Failure to obtain informed consent
- Surgical or procedural complications
- Poor or incomplete record keeping
- Failure to refer a patient to a specialist when required
Even when a healthcare professional believes they have provided an appropriate standard of care, defending an allegation can be stressful and expensive. Medical negligence claims in South African businesses can involve significant legal costs, reputational consequences and, in some cases, substantial damages.
Business Insurance – Protection Beyond the Claim
GO Insure understands that medical malpractice cover is about more than protecting the business against a potential payout.
A comprehensive Medical Malpractice Business Insurance policy can also provide cover for the legal costs associated with defending an allegation of negligence – even where the healthcare professional is ultimately found not to be liable. This can provide valuable financial protection when facing a legal challenge that may take years to resolve.
Business Insurance can be relevant to a broad range of healthcare professionals and organisations, including general practitioners, specialists, dentists, allied healthcare practitioners, medical practices, clinics, frail care centres and hospitals.
Business Insurance for Healthcare Professionals – Is Your Practice Protected?
The reality is that a claim only needs to happen once to have a significant impact on your professional and financial wellbeing. Having appropriate insurance in place before an allegation arises is an important part of managing the risks associated with healthcare practice.
At GO Insure, we can help you understand your Medical Malpractice Business Insurance requirements and identify cover suited to your professional circumstances.
Contact us for professional insurance advice and a tailored quotation.
