Notification of an incident or claim

It is important that you notify The Doctors Company’s Claim Department as soon after any incident that suggests the possibility of legal action against you. Even if you are simply unsure whether there is a standard of care or outcome issue, you should consult the company for guidance as to what to do next. You may be directed to a risk manager if the circumstances only require loss mitigation advice or direction, but if the situation shows potential for becoming an allegation of negligence an incident report should be made.

• Demand for money
• Verbal or written threat of legal action
• Formal paper naming you as a defendant or witness
• Attorney letter of intent or 90 day notice
• Request for arbitration
• Request for deposition or interview
• Subpoena, summons, complaint, or notice of lawsuit

Report any incident related to diagnosis or treatment that could be construed as a contributory factor to:

• Death
• Diminished life expectancy
• Birth injuries
• Loss of an extremity
• Injury to or impairment of any of the five senses
• Severe disfigurement
• Verbal or written threats
• Harassment by patient of family