'Never events' may increase claims in coming years
The recent action by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) declaring some medical errors "never events" events that should never happen could prompt an increase in malpractice claims, says Erik A. Johnson, FCAS, MAAA, assistant director and actuary with Aon Global Risk Consulting in Chicago.
"It highlights some of the faults in the system, types of claims that don't put hospitals in a positive light," he says. "Any negative press regarding hospital services tends to reduce sympathy and increase claims."
In addition, the never events appellation strengthens the plaintiff's case, Johnson says, and can lead to a bigger payout.
"The fact that a governmental body has deemed these to be never events strengthens their case and gives them a voice of authority that is practically unassailable in a courtroom," Johnson says. "It's very hard to defend something that the government has said very clearly should never happen."
The recent action by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) declaring some medical errors "never events" events that should never happen could prompt an increase in malpractice claims, says Erik A. Johnson, FCAS, MAAA, assistant director and actuary with Aon Global Risk Consulting in Chicago.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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