Last year marked the first time since 2003 that there was an increase in the total medical malpractice payout amounts, as well as the total number of payouts, according to an analysis from Diederich Healthcare.
The following information is from Diederich Healthcare's "2014 Medical Malpractice Payout Analysis," which is based on data from the National Practitioner Data Bank. Figures reflect medical malpractice payouts and statistics for 2013.
Here are some key takeaways from the analysis:
Medical malpractice payouts
1. Dollars in payouts grew to $3,733,678,100, 4.7 percent more than in 2012.
2. Thirty-eight states had more money paid out than they did in 2012.
3. California saw the largest year-over-year increase in payout money, up $51 million from last year.
4. When divided by patient type, most (45 percent) medical malpractice payment amounts were for claims regarding an inpatient case, while 38 percent were for outpatient.
5. Most (33 percent) allegations pertained to diagnoses, but surgery (28 percent) and treatment (18) percent also comprised considerable portions of payout money.
Top five states for medical malpractice payouts, per capita
• New York ($38.83)
• Pennsylvania ($24.76)
• New Jersey ($23.24)
• Maryland ($22.37)
• Connecticut ($20.98)
Bottom five states for medical malpractice payouts, per capita
• North Dakota ($2.96)
• Texas ($3.02)
• Wisconsin ($3.07)
• Mississippi ($4.15)
• Indiana ($4.18)
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