Table 4.

Ten Most Prevalent Associated Medical Issues in Family Medicine Closed Claims 1985–20086 (n = 18,031)

Associated Medical IssueClosed Claims (n)Paid Claims (n)Paid to Closed (%)Average Indemnity ($)
Equipment malfunction1,189826.9162,685
Problem with records84656666.9184,511
Problem with history or examination71631143.4339,189
Communications between providers50722344.0253,078
X-ray error39015339.2159,938
Improper conduct by physician33010732.479,372
Premature discharge29815351.3208,556
Lack of adequate facilities24810642.7237,646
Comorbid conditions2023919.3315,317
Unnecessary treatment1324030.3167,810