2026 Risk Management Programs
Protecting Your Practice: Pre-Lawsuit Strategies for Pediatric Malpractice
Presented by German Rodriguez and Stephen Hirsch, MD
This 2-hour lecture equips pediatricians with tools to reduce malpractice risks when adverse outcomes occur despite standard care. It reviews 2015-2025 pediatric lawsuit trends (e.g., 3.1% of pediatricians sued annually vs. 7.4% of all physicians), MedMutual data on cases, and factors like poor communication or documentation that drive claims. The course introduces MedMutual’s Witness Assistance Coverage (up to $10,000) for subpoenas or patient inquiries. Using 2-3 vignettes of delayed diagnoses, participants practice empathetic, legally sound responses to families, guided by “I’m sorry” laws, with audience discussion on optimal reply methods (phone, portal, or written).
Objectives
- Outline 2015-2025 pediatric malpractice trends and MedMutual case data to understand risk factors.
- Identify factors increasing lawsuit risk (e.g., communication gaps) and protective measures (e.g., full recovery).
- Explain MedMutual’s Witness Assistance Coverage for subpoenas or patient complaint responses.
- Craft empathetic, legally sound responses to family concerns using “I’m sorry” laws.
- Practice responses to delayed diagnosis scenarios through vignettes, with audience input on effective communication.





