Outline

Objectives

Introduction

Definitions

Goals of psychiatric malpractice law

Elements of malpractice action

Common allegations of negligence

The Litigation process

Response to a malpractice action

Recommendations for liability prevention

Conclusion

References

Introduction

Psychiatrists, like other medical specialists, are liable for malpractice.

Psychiatrists usually  treat mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders. When they are negligent, they usually do not cause physical injury.

It has been estimated that only about 1.5 claims are filed per 100 psychiatrists annually. as opposed to 25 claims per 100 physicians annually for other practitioners.

However, the number of claims against psychiatrists is rising at about the same rate as overall medical malpractice claims.