Home Medical Malpractice NY Courts Streamline Medical Malpractice Suits

NY Courts Streamline Medical Malpractice Suits

NY Courts Streamline Medical Malpractice Suits

Introduction

Medical malpractice is a serious issue that affects patients across the country, including in New York. It is a complex legal issue that can be difficult to navigate. However, recent changes made by New York courts have streamlined the process for medical malpractice claims and made it easier for patients to seek justice and compensation when they have been harmed by a healthcare provider’s negligence.

What are the Changes?

In 2020, New York courts implemented changes to streamline the process for medical malpractice claims. One of the most significant changes was the creation of designated judges and rules for medical malpractice cases. This means that medical malpractice cases are now heard in front of judges who have specialized training and experience in this area of law.

Another change was the modification of the discovery process. Discovery is the process of gathering evidence in a legal case. The changes made to the discovery process aim to limit the scope of discovery and reduce the burden on plaintiffs. This can help to speed up the litigation process and make it more efficient.

Why are these Changes Important?

These changes are important because they make it easier for patients to pursue medical malpractice claims. By creating designated judges and rules, patients can be assured that their claim will be heard by a judge with specialized knowledge and experience in medical malpractice cases. This can help to ensure that the case is handled efficiently and fairly.

The modifications to the discovery process can also help to speed up the litigation process, which can be a benefit to both plaintiffs and defendants. This can help to reduce the overall costs of litigation and make it easier for plaintiffs to pursue their claim without undue burden.

What does this Mean for Patients?

For patients who have been harmed by medical malpractice, these changes mean that the process of seeking justice and compensation may be easier and more efficient. Patients can now be assured that their case will be heard by a judge with specialized knowledge and experience in medical malpractice cases, which can help to ensure a fair outcome.

Additionally, the modifications to the discovery process can help to reduce the burden on plaintiffs, making it easier for them to pursue their claim. Overall, these changes can help to make the process of seeking justice and compensation for medical malpractice claims more accessible and efficient.

Conclusion

Medical malpractice is a serious issue that affects patients across the country, including in New York. The changes made by New York courts in 2020 have streamlined the process for medical malpractice claims, making it easier for patients to seek justice and compensation when they have been harmed by a healthcare provider’s negligence. Patients can now be assured that their case will be heard by a judge with specialized knowledge and experience in medical malpractice cases, and the modifications to the discovery process can help to reduce the burden on plaintiffs. These changes represent an important step forward in ensuring that patients receive the justice and compensation that they deserve in cases of medical malpractice.


New York courts specializing in the state’s 4,000 medical malpractice cases filed annually have begun expanding following the success of a Bronx judge in expediting the settlement process.

The approach, which has shown to save money by reducing court backlogs, has been extended to the other boroughs, through the implementation of training and educational programs.

Starting December 1st, New York Chief Administrative Judge, Ann Pfau, will become the coordinating judge of the court system’s medical malpractice segment. The program is using a $3 million federal grant to train more judges in expediting the process.

Bronx Justice Douglas McKeon, who has focused on malpractice cases for over 15 years, said he helped settle over 1,000 malpractice suits in his career. The efficacy in settling such cases is attributed to the city’s Health and Hospitals Corporation—an entity which runs 11 public hospitals and uses its own claims and law department to settle cases in a streamlined fashion.

Courpration deputy counsel Suzzane Blundi stated that the entity revamped their commitment to patient safety, developing programs to manage claims, improve care and decrease payouts. The effort also investigates malpractice claims early on to help expedite settlements.