Communication and Resolution Programs are a common part of medical malpractice today as hospitals and other medical facilities are trying to reduce lawsuits and payouts. If your loved one was hurt because of care that didn’t meet standards, you may be asked to participate in a Communication and Resolution Programs by the medical facility. Understanding your options and what a Communication and Resolution Program does can help you make a decision to start to move forward after the loss of a loved one.
What are Communication and Resolution Programs?
Initially started in the University of Michigan’s health system, CRPs have become a popular way for medical facilities and staff to minimize the damage of a medical malpractice lawsuit. Communication and resolution programs (CRPs) are used by hospitals, nursing homes and other medical facilities after an adverse event that may be medical malpractice has occurred to open lines of communication between the patient, family of the patient, and medical staff. Sometimes CRPs help medical facilities and staff can take the place of a medical malpractice lawsuit or occur before a lawsuit occurs.
Are CRPs good for patients and families?
As with most questions, it depends on the unique situation and what happens in the CRP. Having an attorney in a communication process with you after medical malpractice may have occurred can help you make more informed decisions about the CRP process and whether or not it would benefit you and your family. Many times the CRP process helps families heal after the loss of a loved one because of a medical mistake—but they may not help the family recover financially.
Are lawyers useful in CRPs?
A new study from the Journal of American Medicine Association found that nearly 88% of all patients and families thought having an attorney with them was useful during discussions with hospitals in communication and resolution programs after an event that may have been medical malpractice. What’s more is 81% of patients and families who weren’t represented during the process felt that they should have sought representation. Take it from people who have gone through the process—going it alone isn’t easy, even if the CRP is intended to be helpful to patients and families.
Attorneys can help in a CRP by making sure your voice is heard and acting as a barrier between you and the medical facility and their staff. If the medical facility makes an offer for monetary reconciliation during the CRP, a attorney can help you decide if it’s fair or if you should pursue other legal action.
What should I do if the medical facility asks to do a CRP?
The first step is to contact an attorney about your options. CRPs aren’t the best option for every case. Asking an experienced attorney about your claim and options can help you make more informed decision.
If your loved one was hurt during a medical procedure or was killed when care did not meet standards, we’d like to speak with you about your options. Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys understand when CRPs are worthwhile—and when to take the medical staff who treated your loved one to court.