The average medical malpractice payment in Washington for 2022 was $454,117. Going back to 2004, the average malpractice payment in the database is $311,530.
In 2022, there were 153 medical malpractice payments made in Washington. Among all of the various jurisdictions, this ranked number 24 out of 59 in terms of raw numbers, but when viewed in terms of claims per capita, Washington ranked number 41 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." Washington is among those jurisdictions for which the top allegation appearing in the database is "Improper Performance." The second most frequent allegation appearing for Washington in the database is "Failure to Diagnose."
Among all claims, the vast majority (about 70%) of the payments are associated with care provided by MDs. Washington is no exception. The second highest type of healthcare provider associated with malpractice claims in Washington is a dentist.
Average Payment (2004-2022): $311,530
Total Payments in Database (2004-2022): 3,977
Average Payment (2022): $454,117
Total Number of Payments (2022): 153
Rank in Average Payment (2022): 17
Rank in Number of Payments Per Capita (2022): 41 of 59 Jurisdictions
Most Common Allegation (2022): Improper Performance
Most Common Allegation in 2021: Improper Performance
Most Common Nature of Claim (2022): Diagnosis Related - 32% of all payments
Type of Provider with Most Payments: Physician (MD)