As one of the most litigious states in the country, Florida has long been considered an adverse climate for both doctors and medical malpractice insurance carriers. In 2003, significant tort reforms were introduced to help reduce the number of malpractice claims and award amounts. However, the impact of this was short-lived, as a 2015 decision by the Florida Supreme Court to overturn the tort reforms left the market in a state of flux.
In addition, Florida has the highest loss rate when it comes to settling medical malpractice claims, according to a recent study from the American Society for Healthcare Management. The cost of defending and settling medical a malpractice claim in Florida is 2.9 times the national average.
These factors have led a number of doctors to “go bare,” meaning to practice without medical malpractice insurance. Although the state of Florida does not require medical malpractice insurance for those under certain conditions, uninsured doctors face undeniable legal risks that can ultimately be career-ending. What’s more, practicing “bare” may bring with it the belief that a lack of insurance coverage means fewer claims and even less severity. However, there is no evidence to support this claim.
If you are searching for a medical malpractice insurance provider in Florida, asking your fellow colleagues may benefit you in your search. Contacting insurance companies to obtain quotes for your coverage is a vital part of you search as well. At MedMal Direct, we offer our clients some of the most extensive coverage in the marketplace. For more information or to obtain a quote, contact one of MedMal Direct's Florida medical malpractice insurance representatives below.