An analysis of dental professional
liability claim data between 2016 and
2020, conducted by CNA Insurance
(which was the underwriter for the
MDA-endorsed Professional Protector
Plan during most of that period) shows a marked upward trend, with claims associated with infection
jumping by nearly 71%. Here are other highlights from the CNA Report: 2nd Edition.
• The average total incurred for claims against general practitioners went up by 30.5%.
• The average total incurred costs for closed claims increased 24.1% for payments between $10,000 and $1
million, including indemnity expenses.
• The percentage of claims with paid indemnity between $250,000 and $750,000
nearly doubled.
• Nerve injury claims increased as a
percentage of all claims, and the average
total incurred cost went up 43.6%.
• Incidents of swallowed-aspirated object
and wrong-tooth treatment were more
frequent.
• Paid expenses for license protection
increased by 18.7%, with documentation
error or omission resulting in dental
board action in 59.7% of complaints.
That is followed by medication
administration/prescription (50.5%), and
professional conduct (32.8%) allegations.
In raw numbers, the CNA report states
there were “5,113 professional liability
closed claims and license protection
matters attributed to CNA-insured
dentists from January 1, 2015 through
December 31, 2019.”
The impact of a malpractice claim on a
practitioner can be devastating.
Complaints to dental boards that could result in an action against a dental license are also harrowing. Clearly, having confidence in your professional
liability insurance policy is of vital importance. Now is a great time to review your current coverage to ensure it meets your needs.
It’s also a good time to consider adding employment practices liability insurance, or EPLI, if you haven’t already done so.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, nearly half of all EPLI claims are brought against small employers.
Settlements average $51,000, and defense costs range from $275 to $400 per hour.
For assistance with your professional liability and property insurance, contact an MDA Insurance commercial lines
agent at commins@mdaifg.com, or call 800-860-2272. Scan the QR code to request a quote.