Malpractice: Rhode Island "Apology" Legislation for Doctors

From media advice gurus to our parents, we’ve always known that the most immediate and correct thing to do when we’ve caused harm to someone else is to utter two simple words: “I’m sorry.” But if you are a doctor who has made an error in your care, that apology can lead to an admission of guilt should a patient file a medical malpractice lawsuit. But because of legislation in Rhode Island and laws in other states, a doctor may now be able apologize to a patient and family for a medical mistake without risking litigation.

In the states with “apology laws,” a physician is able to apologize for an adverse outcome without the possible repercussions of their statements being used as evidence in a lawsuit.

However, while a doctor may be able to provide a verbal apology about an outcome to a patient or family, if a physician admits guilt in the error leading to an injury or death, they are not protected by a state’s apology law.

If you or a family member has experienced medical malpractice due to the negligence of a doctor, nurse, or another health care professional, please complete the form below for a free legal review of your case. A representative of our firm will be in touch with you shortly.

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see also:

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Malpractice trial now underway against doctor for ankle surgery death

Malpractice & Hospitals Medical Malpractice: Certain Hospitals Linked to Excess Mortality
Malpractice in the News: Medicare hospital patients at risk--lawyers