How Will the Affordable Care Act Affect Medical Malpractice Suits?

Though it may seem unlikely, the new requirements outlined in the Affordable Care Act may actually increase the number of medical malpractice suits in the next few years. Critics to the ACA claim that this increase in demand will deplete the healthcare system’s resources, leading to more hospital and doctor errors.

Decreasing medical malpractice suits

Even though the Affordable Care Act has a number of critics, the medical community as a whole appears to support the new rules. In particular, the American Medical Association believes that the new coverage will improve the quality of healthcare across the country, instead of straining the community’s resources. Supporters of the new law claim that it helps simplify administrative processes, giving doctors and nurses more time to devote to their patients.

Protecting patient safety

Regardless of whether the ACA leads to an increase or decrease in medical malpractice lawsuits, it doesn’t affect a patient’s legal right to file a medical malpractice claim. If a healthcare provider fails in his or her patient duty, he or she can still be held liable for the patient’s harm.

To speak with a Long Island medical malpractice attorney, schedule a consultation with Pegalis & Erickson. We are one of the nation’s premier law firms, representing seriously injured patients and their families for more than 40 years. You can reach our office by calling (516) 684-2900.