title: Medical malpractice tort reform.
abstract: A tort is generally defined as a civil wrong which causes an injury, for which a victim may seek damages, typically in the form of money damages, against the alleged wrongdoer. An overview of the tort system is detailed, specifically in the context of a medical malpractice lawsuit, in order to provide a better understanding of the practical evolution of medical malpractice litigation and its proposed reforms. Rising premiums and defensive medicine are also discussed as part of the tort reform dialogue. Because medical malpractice litigation will never disappear entirely, implementing sound risk management and compliance programs are critical to every radiology department in order to improve the safety and quality of the care that its radiologists and technologists provide.
authors.affiliation: Ottenwess, Allman & Taweel, PLC., Detroit, USA. dottenwess@ottenwesslaw.com
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Ottenwess
authors.forename: Meagan A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Lamberti
authors.forename: Stephanie P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Ottenwess
authors.forename: Adrienne D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Dresevic
mesh_terms: D004496:Education, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012308:Risk Management; D013219:State Government; D014481:United States