Medical Malpractice Report
2010 Medical Malpractice Report
2010 Medical Malpractice Report Summary
DIFP has collected medical malpractice claims data for over 30 years. These data provide an extensive time series regarding claim trends in Missouri. Data through 2010 indicate that the medical professional liability insurance market remains robust and competitive, and claims remain at levels well below historical averages. Among the most notable trends are:
1. After a significant increase in 2007, the number of paid claims declined substantially in each subsequent year. Between 2007 and 2010, the number of claims closed with payment declined by nearly one-third, from 724 to 510.
2. Newly reported claims increased between 2008 and 2010, but remained at levels generally below historical averages. Having peaked at 3,216 in 2005, new claims declined through 2008 to 1,415, though rising to 1,708 in 2010.
3. Average payments decreased in 2010 compared to the prior year, declining from $232,304 to $200,765. Average payments peaked in 2005 at $253,888, and have trended downward in subsequent years.
4. Pending claims, or claims open at year-end, reached an all time low of 3,228 in 2010, after a 2005 peak of 5,800.
5. Surgical errors were the most prevalent type of allegation, and were associated with 1/3 of malpractice allegation. Other common allegations involved diagnosis (19.1%), non-surgical and non-medicine related treatments (18.7%), patient safety failures, such as falls or injury during transport (12.8%). Additional detailed tables are provided in the report.
6. Average payments track very closely the severity of the injury. Several classes of injury resulted in average payment in excess of $1 million. They included injuries resulting in quadriplegia (with an average payment of $1.9 million), failure to diagnose or treat meningitis ($2.3 million), cerebral palsy ($1.6 million), and paraplegia ($1.0 million).
2009 Medical Malpractice Report
2008 Medical Malpractice Report
2007 Medical Malpractice Report
2006 Medical Malpractice Report
2005 Medical Malpractice Report