Study of Medical Professional Liabilities in Bellary Region of Karnataka

Abstract

The study of Medical Professional Liabilities was carried out in Bellary region of Karnataka state.  Details of the cases were collected from the district consumer forum Bellary between January 2000- December 2009 (10 years). In each case, complaint of the complainant and response to a complaint by  the opponent was studied and analyzed. Date of filing and date of judgment was noted in each case. In  our study out of ten cases, general practitioners were more prone for professional liabilities. Six cases  were compensated monetarily. In our study the most common cause for litigation was found to be breach  of practice guidelines, which can be prevented by attending continuous medical education (CME)  programs and workshops, followed by misguided allegation which can be prevented by proper  communication to the patient at first consultation. The lawsuits not only have heavy emotional toll on  doctors and patients but on the society as a whole. Medical professionals should opt for medical  indemnity insurance, which defends his or her case in all aspects and may even pay compensation on his  behalf in case of professional liabilities.