FOR DOCTORS:
Our Philosophy

We are concerned with reducing the number of frivolous and often malicious malpractice lawsuits. There has been a virtual explosion of such actions in recent years. The cost in human and financial terms has been extraordinary. Physicians are diverted from their practices and court calendars are clogged, often delaying meritorious legal actions. In some cases, doctors have become the literal enemy of their patients. Defensive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures have added large sums to the already enormous cost of health care. Malpractice insurance premiums have risen dramatically.

The proliferation of HMOs with their cost-cutting concentration on the bottom line has made the situation worse. Doctors are often forced to see too many patients and perform tasks and procedures beyond their skills or risk financial penalty and even exclusion from health plans. This can lead to unnecessary and unfounded legal action by patients who erroneously believe they have been short-changed by the system. Possible relief for doctors and patients seems to be a victim of the political war between the White House and the Congressional majority.

It is our belief that the number of unfounded malpractice suits can be dramatically reduced (and insurance premiums lowered as well) if responsive, competent and unbiased doctors and scientists review potential cases before they come to deposition or trial. There is a small army of so-called experts espousing "junk science" who have made a good living at this despite weak credentials. Some even guarantee favorable opinions! We are not interested in these individuals.

Personal injury and workers' compensation cases are also numerous. In addition, there are now many cases involving tobacco-related illnesses as the legal profession begins to utilize the recent nicotine addiction evidence in bringing product liability suits against the cigarette manufacturers. There will also be individual breast-implant cases headed for the courts since the Dow Corning class action settlement may be rejected by many potential litigants. The association of the diet drugs fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine with heart disease will undoubtedly produce numerous product liability suits. There have been early reports of untoward reactions to Viagra. Thalidomide is back! All of these and many more cases will require expert medical review and consultation.