Article Examines Practice of Referring Injured Patients to Attorneys

Healthcare risk managers may be interested in a March 15, 2012, American Medical News article that discusses one health system’s practice of providing patients who refuse legal settlements with a referral to a lawyer. The health system’s officials explain that, because the vetted attorneys agree to take patients' cases at a reduced rate, providing such referrals can resolve cases more quickly and keep complaints from turning into long legal nightmares. Additionally, the strategy has the potential to save legal expenses for health professionals and patients. According to the article, many hospitals say the practice is good for patients, who often are unfamiliar with the legal system and want compensation for their injuries as soon as possible.