The average medical malpractice payment in California for 2022 was $218,745. Going back to 2004, the average malpractice payment in the database is $183,713.
In 2022, there were 1051 medical malpractice payments made in California. Among all of the various jurisdictions, this ranked number 3 out of 59 in terms of raw numbers, but when viewed in terms of claims per capita, California ranked number 31 of 59, which includes the 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and Armed Forces populations.
Across the country, the most common allegations giving rise to medical malpractice payments are "Failure to Diagnose" and "Improper Performance." California is among those jurisdictions for which the top allegation appearing in the database is "Improper Performance." The second most frequent allegation appearing for California in the database is "Failure to Treat."
Among all claims, the vast majority (about 70%) of the payments are associated with care provided by MDs. California is no exception. The second highest type of healthcare provider associated with malpractice claims in California is a dentist.
Average Payment (2004-2022): $183,713
Total Payments in Database (2004-2022): 24,948
Average Payment (2022): $218,745
Total Number of Payments (2022): 1,051
Rank in Average Payment (2022): 50
Rank in Number of Payments Per Capita (2022): 31 of 59 Jurisdictions
Most Common Allegation (2022): Improper Performance
Most Common Allegation in 2021: Improper Performance
Most Common Nature of Claim (2022): Treatment Related - 41% of all payments
Type of Provider with Most Payments: Physician (MD)