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To Settle or Defend

By Kevin M. Quinley
January 31, 2015

Editor's Note: When trying to make a reasoned decision about whether to settle or defend a medical malpractice claim, there are a number of things that should be taken into account. In this regard, author Kevin Quinley offers eight factors to consider, four of which were addressed in last month's newsletter: the defensibility of the physician's adherence to the standard of care; the scope of damages; the potential for uncovered damages; and the plaintiff sympathy factors. He concludes his discussion herein.

5. Court venue. Medical malpractice litigation is like real estate. Location matters. Is the case in state court or federal court? A defense bar perception is that the caliber of judges is higher in federal court than in state court. Many state court judges are elected. Often, the risks for defendants are considered higher in state courts. Moreover, not all jurisdictions are created equal in terms of jury trends and demographics.

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