Page 42 - OB Risks - Delivering the Goods (Part Two)

SVMIC Obstetrics Risks: Delivering the Goods

Likewise, covering physicians often blame the patient’s regular

obstetrician when insufficient or erroneous information/patient
history is provided during labor and delivery. This is one of

the reasons that plaintiffs’ attorneys like to name as many
healthcare providers as possible in a lawsuit – they hope the

defendants will attack one another knowing that this infighting
often leads to a much higher settlement amount or jury verdict.

Although sometimes there is simply no other choice, please

keep in mind the following:

• It is important to understand that nothing will torpedo

the defense of a case faster than “jousting” with other
defendants in the case.

• Defensiveness and infighting only adds fuel to the
plaintiff’s fire. Juries typically do not like to see this type of

behavior among healthcare providers whom they expect to
be a team.

• Do not speculate about what you might have done
differently or express dissatisfaction with other care

providers. This can create additional complications with

your defense and does not make your care appear to be
better than anyone else’s.

The following case illustrates the dangers of infighting among
the defendants.

C A S E S T U DY

A 31-year-old gravida 2, para 0 who had previously

experienced a spontaneous abortion had a long history
of type 1 diabetes mellitus and was using an insulin pump.

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