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

Litigation stress website with free resources: www.physicianlitigationstress.org (founded by Dr. Sara Charles; note host Gita Pensa MD serves on the voluntary advisory board)

Dr. Louise Andrew, MD JD: www.mdmentor.com

Theme music by BenJamin Banger (Instagram: @BenJaminBanger)