In the event of a malpractice claim, what should a physical therapist do first?

In the context of a malpractice claim, the first course of action for a physical therapist is to notify their professional liability insurance carrier. This step is crucial because the insurance company will provide guidance on how to handle the claim, including legal representation and coverage for potential damages.

Notifying the insurance carrier ensures that the therapist's interests are protected from the outset. The insurer has the necessary expertise and resources to manage the intricacies of malpractice claims, including investigations and legal processes. They can also advise on best practices in communication with the patient involved in the claim.

While other actions like documenting the incident or consulting a lawyer are important, they follow the initial notification to the insurance carrier. Documentation is essential for establishing a clear record of events but may be supported or guided by the recommendations from the insurer. Consulting with a lawyer is also important, particularly if the situation escalates, but the insurance company typically coordinates legal support for the practitioner. Apologizing to the patient, while a compassionate gesture, may be interpreted as an admission of fault and can complicate the legal situation, which is why it is not the first step to take in a malpractice scenario.