Ten Most Prevalent Associated Legal Issues in Family Medicine Closed Claims 1985–20086 (n = 18,031)
| Associated Legal Issue | Closed Claims (n) | Paid Claims (n) | Paid to Closed (%) | Average Indemnity ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Informed consent | 1,728 | 354 | 20.5 | 106,326 |
| Vicarious liability | 877 | 252 | 28.7 | 136,611 |
| Punitive damages | 492 | 118 | 24.0 | 174,606 |
| Abandonment | 213 | 70 | 32.9 | 144,571 |
| Failure to conform with rules, regulations | 152 | 76 | 50.0 | 206,719 |
| Third party claimant | 87 | 14 | 16.1 | 194,116 |
| Breach of Confidentiality | 134 | 16 | 11.9 | 42,378 |
| Assault and battery | 112 | 42 | 37.5 | 92,197 |
| Res ipsa loquitur | 65 | 26 | 40.0 | 211,510 |
| False imprisonment | 21 | 7 | 33.3 | 22,357 |