This is a welcome change that might actually lead to fewer lawsuits. A doctor can be “sorry” for the outcome without being responsible, just as anyone else can be “sorry” for consequences that are out of one’s control.
I think it would be easier for many doctors to have their carriers pay out million dollar lawsuits than to say “I’m sorry.”
About 7 years ago, my father was visiting from Florida and started getting what we thought was a chest cold. Since he was in his 70’s, and also had a little chest pain, a trip to the doctor. Fortunately, my own GP at the time had a specialty in Pulmonology, so that seemd a good fit.
The doctor put my father in the hospital for a week, and ran through virtually every test (on Medicaid’s dime) except for pregnancy. His conclusion was that he had a bad cold, but just give it time.
One month later, upon returning to Florida, my father collapsed, and went to the hospital there. Lung cancer was the diagnosis.
I called the GP. He was incredulous about that. He said he would call down there and get back to me.
My father died 4 days later.
That was August 2002. I’m still waiting for his getting back to me.
Fortunately for the doctor, no damages, as lung cancer gets them fast.
using these types of words should have never been allowed to be placed into a lawsuit. anyone should be able to show compassion, no matter who that individual is. it could have been the custodian of the hospital and that would have meant the doctor made a mistake?! i don’t think so. this country is so happy lawsuit that any lawyer is going for the jugular. in the end, the lawyer winds up with more money in his pocket no matter if found of the plaintiff or defendant. then you wonder why doctors’ malpractice insurance keeps going up. then these doctors move to another state.
In a malpractice suit, I think it would be a cold day in hell before plaintiff’s attorney would want to introduce in evidence that the doctor who is accused of malpractice said to the injured party as follows:
“Joe S, here’s what happened. I’m really sorry that you are still in pain and will require an additional operation to fully remove the xxx in the YYY”
Not going to happen. Why? Because the plaintiff’s lawyer is trying to portray the doctor as heartless and cold and incompetent.
It would *not* be relevant to the issue of negligence, because simply saying that one regrets that someone is injured does not constitute an admission of negligence.
Fortunately, since doctors don’t apologize, that won’t happen. Doctors hide it, hoping that the plaintiff will just go away and maybe not realize the malpractice.
This is a welcome change that might actually lead to fewer lawsuits. A doctor can be “sorry” for the outcome without being responsible, just as anyone else can be “sorry” for consequences that are out of one’s control.
Finally, common sense in the State House!
couldn’t agree with you more!! Hopefully this will help drive insurance, medical and legal costs down!
I think it would be easier for many doctors to have their carriers pay out million dollar lawsuits than to say “I’m sorry.”
About 7 years ago, my father was visiting from Florida and started getting what we thought was a chest cold. Since he was in his 70’s, and also had a little chest pain, a trip to the doctor. Fortunately, my own GP at the time had a specialty in Pulmonology, so that seemd a good fit.
The doctor put my father in the hospital for a week, and ran through virtually every test (on Medicaid’s dime) except for pregnancy. His conclusion was that he had a bad cold, but just give it time.
One month later, upon returning to Florida, my father collapsed, and went to the hospital there. Lung cancer was the diagnosis.
I called the GP. He was incredulous about that. He said he would call down there and get back to me.
My father died 4 days later.
That was August 2002. I’m still waiting for his getting back to me.
Fortunately for the doctor, no damages, as lung cancer gets them fast.
using these types of words should have never been allowed to be placed into a lawsuit. anyone should be able to show compassion, no matter who that individual is. it could have been the custodian of the hospital and that would have meant the doctor made a mistake?! i don’t think so. this country is so happy lawsuit that any lawyer is going for the jugular. in the end, the lawyer winds up with more money in his pocket no matter if found of the plaintiff or defendant. then you wonder why doctors’ malpractice insurance keeps going up. then these doctors move to another state.
Let’s get real here, folks.
In a malpractice suit, I think it would be a cold day in hell before plaintiff’s attorney would want to introduce in evidence that the doctor who is accused of malpractice said to the injured party as follows:
“Joe S, here’s what happened. I’m really sorry that you are still in pain and will require an additional operation to fully remove the xxx in the YYY”
Not going to happen. Why? Because the plaintiff’s lawyer is trying to portray the doctor as heartless and cold and incompetent.
It would *not* be relevant to the issue of negligence, because simply saying that one regrets that someone is injured does not constitute an admission of negligence.
Fortunately, since doctors don’t apologize, that won’t happen. Doctors hide it, hoping that the plaintiff will just go away and maybe not realize the malpractice.