Study of Medical Professional Liabilities in Bellary Region of Karnataka

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.