The answer may surprise you.
Many nurses and nurse practitioners wonder if they should carry medical malpractice insurance. Most nurses are not covered under their own personal liability coverage, but the reality is that nurses can be sued just like doctors. In fact, a recent report published by the Nurses Service Organization (NSO) entitled “Nurse Professional Liability Exposures: 2015 Claim Report Update,” shows rising rates of claims made against nurses.
Often, just being named in a lawsuit can be one of the most stressful times in your life. Your employer’s policy may cover you, but sometimes the coverage limits carried by an employer aren’t enough. Remember their policy is meant to meet their needs first, not yours. Having your own personal liability policy will guarantee attorney representation and protection for you and will mean that there is someone working on your behalf that has your best interests in mind.
If you think being sued will never happen to you, consider some of the findings from the NSO report.
- While those who have been practicing for 16 years or more represented 85% of nurses with claims made against them, those who had been practicing for only 3-5 years made up the group with the highest average indemnity payments by experience level ($70,171).
- While nurses trained outside of the United States were found to be more likely to be sued than those trained in the U.S., indemnity payments were on average approximately double for those trained in the United States who were sued.
- In addition to the risks that all nurses face, the report specifically found that nurses with additional certifications working in high-risk fields were more likely to be sued than their peers. Yet, on the other hand, it was those working in aesthetics and/or cosmetics that had the highest average indemnity payment by field or specialty, at $175,500.
It’s these kind of findings that make it clear that a lawsuit can happen to anyone, regardless of how experienced, familiar, or well trained you are, and regardless of the specific environment or specialty that you work in. The question isn’t whether you will make a mistake, but whether someone will accuse you of making a mistake, and that’s not a question to gamble with. It could mean your career, your livelihood, and your reputation. With good medical malpractice insurance coverage all of those things can be preserved. You will have the financial security of liability coverage, and the personal security of trained, specialist lawyers who will defend your work and your reputation.
eQuoteMD is now able to provide quotes for medical professional liability coverage for nurses and nurse practitioners so you can avoid personal devastation due to a lawsuit and have peace of mind while on the job. There are many circumstances that may arise and cause a lawsuit. Don’t be caught without your own policy. You need someone on your side watching out for your interests.
