First Steps: You‘ve Been Served

In the second episode of Doctors and Litigation: The L Word, we discuss the very first steps in litigation, starting with when you are given notice of a medical malpractice lawsuit. Experts Dr. Sara Charles, Dr. Ilene Brenner, and Dr. Louise Andrew lend their expertise; physician voices describe their experiences.

More about author Dr. Pensa: doctorsandlitigation.com

Topics discussed:

The emotional impact of the first steps into litigation (and the intended effect from the plaintiff's attorneys), as well as some advice on how to frame it in your mind

First action basics: contacting your insurance carrier, and finding an attorney to represent you

Board of Licensure/Department of Health investigations that begin automatically in some states when litigation starts

The beginnings of the 'discovery' process

Who to talk to...and who not to talk to

Do's and definite don'ts in the first stages

Resources mentioned:

"How to Survive a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit", by Ilene Brenner MD

"Adverse Events, Stress and Litigation: A Physician's Guide", by Sara Charles, MD and Paul Frisch, JD