Browse Healthcare Risk Management Articles by Topic

$17.1M Awarded to Family of Deceased Infant

In a verdict underscoring both the effects of obstetrical malpractice and the breadth of damages Illinois juries may award in wrongful death cases, a Macon County jury has returned a $17.1 million judgment in favor of a family whose infant son died nine months after a traumatic delivery.

Washington Court Upholds $13M Malpractice Verdict Against Cosmetic Surgeon

A Washington appeals court has upheld a $13 million jury verdict against a plastic surgeon accused of botched cosmetic procedures and deceptive business practices, marking one of the state’s more notable malpractice rulings in recent years. The panel rejected the defense’s claims that improper evidence tainted the trial, instead finding that the outcome was supported by substantial evidence and that no reversible error occurred.

Know the Basics of Medical Malpractice Insurance

Professional liability insurance is a necessity in the healthcare field, but it often is not fully understood by those who need it the most.

Overuse of Travel Nurses Threatens Patient Safety

New research suggests that relying excessively on travel nurses or nurses working overtime may threaten patient safety. Researchers at the George Washington University and Premier health system looked at this issue, which has received little attention in the past.

Telehealth Continues to Pose Liability, Regulatory Concerns

The use of telehealth boomed during the pandemic and continues to be a popular option for both patients and providers, but legal risks continue.

Hospitals Cutting Infection Control Staff, Creating Patient Safety Risks

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology and The Leapfrog Group have joined to express concern about how hospitals are cutting infection control resources and the dire effects that may have on patient safety.

Are Rules Really Meant to Be Broken?

Risk managers spend a lot of time and effort promoting policies and procedures meant to improve patient safety and protect the organization from liability. But is there ever a time to condone breaking those rules?

Gender-Affirming Care Caught in Legal Gray Area, Liability Possible

Healthcare organizations providing gender-affirming care — which may be defined broadly — could face consequences if they do not conform with recently imposed federal restrictions. Understanding the changes and how they affect clinical treatment is key to avoiding potentially serious regulatory violations and other liability.

Purl Decision Affects HIPAA Compliance, Reproductive Health

A recent court ruling has a significant effect on HIPAA compliance as it pertains to reproductive health. It can be seen as relief from a rule that some criticized as burdensome and unnecessary. When the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization prompted states to restrict access to reproductive health services, Health and Human Services issued a rule strengthening reproductive health privacy protections under HIPAA.

Court Upholds Record $207 Million Malpractice Verdict

In July 2025, an appellate court unanimously affirmed a record-breaking medical malpractice judgment of $207 million against a hospital for catastrophic birth injuries. The case involved a newborn who sustained severe brain damage leading to cerebral palsy and profound lifelong disabilities after a mishandled delivery at the hospital. A jury had awarded $183 million (later increased to $207 million with delay damages) for the child’s future care needs and pain and suffering. On appeal, the hospital argued that the verdict was exorbitant and unsupported, but the appellate court held that the award did not “shock the conscience” in light of the trial evidence.