….When a complication results from a physician’s negligence or not being knowledgeable, it is important to acknowledge this to the patient or family in the form of an apology even though most malpractice insurance companies and their lawyers actually discourage admission of guilt. Under these circumstances I believe an out of court settlement is more likely to occur when financial compensation for lost time, pain and further medical costs are required.
(Pellegrino is an emeritus UW clinical associate professor of orthopedic surgery)