District of Columbia Medical Malpractice Information

  • What is the average medical malpractice settlement in District of Columbia?

    The average medical malpractice payment in District of Columbia for 2022 was $646,193. Going back to 2004, the average malpractice payment in the database is $390,047.

  • How many medical malpractice settlements have there been in District of Columbia?

    In 2022, there were 22 medical malpractice payments made in District of Columbia. Among all of the various jurisdictions, this ranked number 48 out of 59 in terms of raw numbers, but when viewed in terms of claims per capita, District of Columbia ranked number 24 of 59, which includes the 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and Armed Forces populations.

  • What is the most common type of medical malpractice claim in District of Columbia?

    Across the country, the most common allegations giving rise to medical malpractice payments are "Failure to Diagnose" and "Improper Performance." District of Columbia is among those jurisdictions for which the top allegation appearing in the database is "Improper Performance." The second most frequent allegation appearing for District of Columbia in the database is "Failure to Diagnose."

  • Which type of healthcare provider pays the most medical malpractice claims in District of Columbia?

    Among all claims, the vast majority (about 70%) of the payments are associated with care provided by MDs. District of Columbia is no exception. The second highest type of healthcare provider associated with malpractice claims in District of Columbia is a dentist.

A few notes about this: The database only shows which claims were paid and does not include claims that were presented but rejected. Also, the database does not include payments by non-providers like health systems and hospitals. There are also some number of claims that go unreported each year. Finally, the information contained in the reports is self-reported by the providers, their insurance companies, and other provider representatives.
District of Columbia Medical Malpractice Payment Amounts By Year
District of Columbia Medical Malpractice Payments By Year

The Largest Medical Malpractice Payments for District of Columbia (2004-2022)

YearStateAmountAllegationFull Report
2011District of Columbia$7,450,000Radiology or Imaging Error
2011District of Columbia$7,450,000Radiology or Imaging Error
2011District of Columbia$6,950,000Failure to Identify Fetal Distress
2015District of Columbia$5,650,000Failure to Order Appropriate Test
2008District of Columbia$5,450,000Failure to Delay a Case When Indicated
2014District of Columbia$4,350,000Delay in Diagnosis
2017District of Columbia$3,550,000Failure to Diagnose
2006District of Columbia$2,950,000Equipment Utilization Problem
2022District of Columbia$2,750,000Improper Management
2006District of Columbia$2,450,000Failure/Delay in Referral or Consultation

District of Columbia Statistics at a Glance

Average Payment (2004-2022): $390,047

Total Payments in Database (2004-2022): 684

Average Payment (2022): $646,193

Total Number of Payments (2022): 22

Rank in Average Payment (2022): 5

Rank in Number of Payments Per Capita (2022): 24 of 59 Jurisdictions

Most Common Allegation (2022): Improper Performance

Most Common Allegation in 2021: Improper Performance

Most Common Nature of Claim (2022): Surgery Related - 37% of all payments

Type of Provider with Most Payments: Physician (MD)

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