It fixes our state’s malpractice crisis

Published 9:00 pm Wednesday, December 8, 2004

As an obstetrical care provider I’d like to voice my support for Initiative 330. In the past year and a half, the Everett Clinic Family Practice Department has been dramatically impacted by the malpractice crisis. We had 15 providers actively practicing obstetrical care. We now have three. I’ve had partners move out of state because of malpractice premiums. I have watched my own premiums almost triple in two years.

There is no question in my mind that when a patient is injured, they should have the right to seek compensation. However, our current system supports and compensates huge attorney fees, and large percentages (30 to 50 percent) of settlements can go to the trial lawyer’s pockets.

I deliver babies because I feel I can make a difference in the lives of my patients and families. The cost exceeds what I can bear, and I must quit obstetrics or move to an area with less costly premiums. Each time this happens to one of us, the community loses. Delivering babies is quickly becoming a “no win” proposition. As more doctors are driven from practice, choice is reduced and patients suffer. In rural communities many patients only have access to obstetrical care through family physicians, and if we don’t provide care then there is simply no care.

The trial lawyers will tell you that we must protect the rights of citizens. We agree. Initiative 330 protects those rights, but allows physicians to stay in practice. We can protect our rights without driving good doctors from our community. The system is broken and it is time to fix it.

Every Everett Clinic location has the petition in the lobby. Please talk to your doctor and sign.

Stephen F. Dahlberg, MD

The Everett Clinic

Harbour Pointe