| Unless otherwise indicated, this information has been self-reported and has not been
verified by the Board of Medicine.
Disclaimer:
When considering malpractice paid claims data, please keep in mind:
Some studies have shown little correlation between the existence of a malpractice paid claims history and the practitioner's competence to provide care.
Malpractice paid claims histories tend to vary by specialty. Some specialties are more likely than others to be the subject of litigation.
Some doctors work primarily with high-risk patients. These doctors may have malpractice paid claims histories that are higher than average because they specialize in cases or patients who are at very high risk for problems.
Settlement of a claim may occur for a variety of reasons, which do not necessarily reflect negatively on the professional competence or conduct of the practitioner. A payment in settlement of a medical malpractice action or claim should not be construed as creating a presumption that medical malpractice has occurred.
The incident causing the malpractice paid claim may have happened years before a payment is finally made. Sometimes, it takes a long time for a malpractice lawsuit to move through the legal system.
Presentation of Required Data:
As of July 1, 2007, practitioners are required to report all paid claims over
$10,000 in the last 10 years. For doctors practicing less than 10 years, the data
covers their total years of practice.
To provide perspective regarding the reported data, the Board displays information about the paid claims experience of the practitioner's specialty along with the practitioner's history of paid claims. In reporting the data in this manner, each practitioner is seen relative to other practitioners in the specialty, rather than to all practitioners in all specialties.
Paid claims are not expressed in dollar amounts. Each paid claim has been analyzed and assigned to one of three statistical categories: below average, average, or above average. This analysis was made relative to the other claims in the specialty in which the claim occurred.
The information provided, in the manner provided, should offer perspective about this aspect of medical practice. You could miss an opportunity for high quality care by excluding a doctor based solely on the presence of a malpractice history. You may wish to discuss information provided in this report, and malpractice generally, with your doctor.
Paid Claims in the last ten years
Last Updated 12/16/2024
The licensee has reported the following paid claims in the past ten years:
Specialty: Neurological Surgery
Location: Lynchburg, VA
Year: 2009
SettlementAmount of this claim is: Average
Practitioner Comments: 1.) Although cervical discectomy/fusion performed adjacent to intended level, patient had dramatic reduction in symptoms. Surgeon did not initially realize that surgery had been performed at unintended level, due to the patient’s favorable course, but x-ray two weeks post-op showed fusion one level above intended level. Informed patient after follow up revealed durable benefit. Settled in media
753 Practitioners with same specialty
5.84% Practitioners with claims in this specialty
Specialty: Neurological Surgery
Location: Lynchburg, VA
Year: 2009
SettlementAmount of this claim is: Average
Practitioner Comments: 2.) Although cervical discectomy/fusion performed adjacent to intended level (before knowing about other case #1), patient had dramatic reduction in symptoms. Surgeon did not recognize that surgery performed one level above intended level due to favorable course. Patient’s symptoms recurred, requiring repeat surgery months after surgeon left practice. Settled in mediation at insurer’s recommendati
753 Practitioners with same specialty
5.84% Practitioners with claims in this specialty
Specialty: Neurological Surgery
Location: Worcester, MA
Year: 2009
SettlementAmount of this claim is: Average
Practitioner Comments: Patient developed infection in a deep brain stimulator. Infected unit was removed expeditiously, but a small plastic piece remained in her neck. This provided a nidus for ongoing infection, necessitating a second procedure for its removal. Patient hospitalized for 2 days, discharged with no ill effects. Insurer recommended settling out of court to avoid costs of litigation.
753 Practitioners with same specialty
5.84% Practitioners with claims in this specialty
Specialty: Neurological Surgery
Location: Worcester,MA
Year: 2011
SettlementAmount of this claim is: Average
Practitioner Comments: Patient had slow recovery after worse deficit following redo brainstem decompression, claimed she was not advised of the degree of risk. Insurer recommended settlement to avoid potential cost of litigation.
753 Practitioners with same specialty
5.84% Practitioners with claims in this specialty
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