Customer Success Story: How Professional Liability Insurance Saved a Short-Term Care Facility from a Potential Lawsuit

In the healthcare industry, protecting your practice from legal risks is crucial. One of our clients, a short-term care facility, experienced firsthand the value of having comprehensive Professional Liability Insurance through Pembroke Insurance. Here’s their story.

The Situation

The short-term care facility, located in a bustling urban area, provides critical medical services to patients needing short-term care post-surgery or for acute conditions. The facility prides itself on delivering high-quality care, but like any healthcare provider, it faced inherent risks associated with medical malpractice.

One day, a patient who had undergone a routine procedure at the facility developed unexpected complications. Despite the staff's best efforts and adherence to all protocols, the patient’s family felt the complications were due to negligence and filed a lawsuit against the facility.

The Challenge

The lawsuit alleged that the facility’s staff had failed to provide the expected standard of care, resulting in the patient's complications. The facility was accused of medical malpractice, and the potential financial and reputational damage was significant. Legal fees, potential settlement costs, and the risk of a damaged reputation loomed large.

The Solution

Fortunately, the facility had secured Professional Liability Insurance (Malpractice Insurance) through Pembroke Insurance. This policy is specifically designed to protect healthcare providers from claims of negligence, errors, and omissions in their professional services.

When the lawsuit was filed, the facility immediately contacted Pembroke Insurance. Our team of experts swiftly mobilized to support them, providing the following:

  1. Legal Defense: We arranged for a top-notch legal defense team with extensive experience in medical malpractice cases. This ensured that the facility had the best possible representation.

  2. Claims Management: Our claims management team worked closely with the facility to gather all necessary documentation and evidence, ensuring a robust defense strategy.

  3. Financial Protection: The Professional Liability Insurance policy covered the legal fees and potential settlement costs, protecting the facility’s finances from a substantial hit.

The Outcome

Thanks to the comprehensive coverage provided by Pembroke Insurance, the short-term care facility successfully navigated the lawsuit. Here’s how:

  • Legal Victory: With the help of our legal defense team, the facility was able to demonstrate that their staff had followed all appropriate procedures and protocols. The case was ultimately dismissed, with no liability assigned to the facility.

  • Financial Security: The facility did not have to bear the burden of expensive legal fees or potential settlement costs, as these were covered under their Professional Liability Insurance policy.

  • Reputation Maintained: By effectively managing the lawsuit and demonstrating a commitment to high standards of care, the facility maintained its reputation for excellence in patient care.

The Importance of Professional Liability Insurance

This case highlights the critical importance of having Professional Liability Insurance for healthcare providers. Such insurance not only provides financial protection but also ensures access to expert legal support when facing claims of malpractice.

For healthcare facilities, the risks associated with patient care are always present. Professional Liability Insurance acts as a safety net, allowing providers to focus on delivering high-quality care without the constant fear of legal repercussions.

Conclusion

The short-term care facility's experience underscores why every healthcare provider should consider Professional Liability Insurance. At Pembroke Insurance, we are dedicated to protecting healthcare professionals and facilities from the unpredictable risks they face every day.

BY THE NUMBERS

1. General Liability Insurance

  • $300,000: Average cost of a slip-and-fall lawsuit.

  • 40%: Percentage of small businesses that will face a liability claim in the next 10 years.

2. Professional Liability Insurance (Malpractice Insurance)

  • $50,000 - $200,000: Typical cost range of defending a medical malpractice claim.

  • $3 million: Average malpractice settlement amount.

3. Workers' Compensation Insurance

  • $41,000: Average cost of a workplace injury claim.

  • 50%: Reduction in out-of-pocket costs for covered injuries.

4. Commercial Property Insurance

  • 30%: Businesses that fail to reopen after a major property loss.

  • $100,000: Average property damage claim from fire.

5. Commercial Auto Insurance

  • $70,000: Average cost of a commercial vehicle accident.

  • 20%: Businesses that experience vehicle-related claims annually.

6. Cyber Liability Insurance

  • $200,000: Average cost of a data breach for small to mid-sized businesses.

  • 60%: Healthcare organizations that experience cyber-attacks annually.

7. Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)

  • $125,000: Average cost to defend an employment lawsuit.

  • $8,000: Median settlement cost of an EPL claim.

8. Directors and Officers (D&O) Insurance

  • $1.5 million: Average cost of a D&O lawsuit settlement.

  • 25%: Companies that face D&O claims each year.

9. Business Interruption Insurance

  • $1,000/day: Potential daily revenue loss during business interruption.

  • 80%: Businesses that close within a year following a major disaster without coverage.

10. Umbrella Insurance

  • $1 million: Extra liability protection starting amount.

  • 50%: Companies that increase their overall liability coverage by 50% with umbrella policies.

Real-Life Impact:

  • 1 Lawsuit: How Professional Liability Insurance saved a short-term care facility from a costly legal battle, demonstrating the importance of adequate coverage.

  • 100%: Peace of mind knowing your practice is protected against a wide range of risks.

John Roberts, Administrator

“Our facility experienced a significant data breach that threatened our patients' sensitive information. Pembroke Insurance's Cyber Liability Insurance not only covered the costs associated with the breach but also provided us with resources to enhance our cybersecurity measures. Their swift response and support were invaluable in protecting our practice and our patients' trust”

Dr. Emily Thompson

"As a small healthcare provider, we faced a daunting lawsuit that could have devastated our practice. Thanks to Pembroke Insurance's Professional Liability Insurance, not only were our legal fees covered, but we also received expert legal support that led to a successful outcome. We couldn't have navigated this challenge without their comprehensive coverage and dedicated team."