A new study indicates that when doctors admit medical mistakes, patients do not file more lawsuits.

According to researchers who examined the University of Michigan Health System, the system’s program of admitting all doctor and hospital mistakes, apologizing, and offering compensation does not lead to an increase in lawsuits. Dr. Allen Kachalia, lead author of the study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, said a code requiring doctors to talk with patients when something goes wrong “allows doctors to be more open about their mistakes.” He added, “it can help foster trust in the physician patient relationship.”

In 2001 UMHS started a program of admitting all mistakes, and Kachalia compared the number and cost of claims against the hospital, before and after the new program was put in place. The total number of claims against the hospital decreased by almost 50 percent after full disclosure took effect.

Unfortunately many doctors and hospitals do not practice full disclosure when it comes to medical malpractice. If you or someone you love has been injured due to medical malpractice or hospital negligence, please contact a Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyer of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., by calling 610-667-7511 today.