When injured patients learn that physicians in Florida are not required to carry medical malpractice insurance, they often feel anger and despair at the thought that they won’t be able to sue the physician for medical malpractice and will have to cover the costs of their injury themselves.
This isn’t entirely accurate. While it is true that physicians do not have to carry medical malpractice insurance, if they chose not to they must demonstrate that they have the financial ability to pay for malpractice and liability lawsuits. They usually have an escrow account that holds the funds to cover these costs.
Lack Of Liability Insurance Requirements Hurts Patients
This approach of not requiring doctors to carry malpractice insurance may make it more affordable for doctors to stay in business but it’s at the expense of their patients. Not only does this practice make it easier for dangerous physicians to continue to practice even after they’ve injured someone, it makes it harder for injured patients to recover damages from the physician.
Yes, a victim can still pursue a lawsuit against a doctor even if he or she does not carry liability or malpractice insurance. The trouble comes in finding a qualified personal injury attorney to take the case. We’ve all heard the jokes that lawyers are just in it for the money and will turn away cases that don’t pay them well. I’m embarrassed and disappointed to report that this is very often true – especially in cases where there isn’t an insurance company to go after.
Physicians who are backed by an insurance company look like big dollar signs to unscrupulous attorneys. These attorneys know they can get a bigger payout for their patients (and themselves!) when an insurance company is involved than they can get when the doctor’s “financial responsibility” is an escrow account.
There Are Attorneys Who Will Represent Victims
If you have been injured in a medical procedure, keep looking for an attorney and don’t give up hope of achieving a settlement. There are personal injury attorneys who will represent victims of medical malpractice in Florida – regardless of whether or not the doctor carries medical malpractice insurance.
Andres Beregovich is one of those attorneys. Mr. Beregovich is an advocate for patient rights and works with people who have been injured by a doctor, clinic, or hospital regardless of whether or not there is a malpractice insurance policy involved. We believe that all injuries deserve legal scrutiny so the victims can better move on with their lives.
If you believe you have suffered an injury due to a doctor’s negligence, contact us at (800) 631-9009 or via email today to arrange a consultation with a Florida medical malpractice attorney.
