High-Risk Medicolegal Conditions in Pediatric Emergency Medicine

The top 5 reasons for pediatric malpractice are cardiac or cardiorespiratory arrest, appendicitis, disorder of male genital organs, encephalopathy, and meningitis. Malpractice is most likely to result from an “error in diagnosis.” Claims involving a “major permanent injury” were more likely to pay out money, but of all claims, only 30% result in a monetary pay out. Consideration of “high-risk misses” may help to direct a history, examination, testing, and discharge instructions.

Source: Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America - June 9, 2021 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Michael B. Weinstock, Heath Jolliff Source Type: research