title: A malpractice episode: a sequence of events.
abstract: A malpractice suit is an event that no orthopaedic surgeon wants to go through; however, reality says you will. The authors outlined a step by step approach to your needs during such a suit and offer possible helpful actions by recommending collecting and securing all of the written documentation, being able to familiarize yourself with the entire events without notes, constant appraisal and discussion of the events with your attorney, considerations for settling, and finally emotional events surrounding the trial. The initial shock and insult eventually will subside, your patients will not note the difference, but you never will forget the event.
authors.affiliation: Center for Hip and Knee Surgery, St. Francis Hospital, Mooresville, IN, USA. Marittermd@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Merrill A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Ritter
authors.forename: Nanette N
authors.initials: NN
authors.lastname: Ritter
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States