Do OBGYNs get sued a lot?

Asked by: Prof. Isom Stanton DDS  |  Last update: May 13, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (24 votes)

Yes, OBGYNs are sued frequently, consistently ranking as one of the most litigated medical specialties, with studies showing that approximately 60% to 85% of them face at least one malpractice lawsuit during their careers, often due to high-stakes situations and severe potential for harm in obstetrics.

Which doctor is least likely to be sued?

Who Is Least Likely To Be Sued? Family general practice, pediatrics, and psychiatry are the specialties that are least likely to be sued for medical malpractice. Psychiatrists have the lowest risk, with only 2.6% facing claims. Why Are Certain Specialties Being Sued More Than Others?

Who gets sued the most in healthcare?

According to a study conducted by the American Medical Association (AMA), OB/GYN providers have one of the highest rates of malpractice, with more than 62% of physicians being sued at some point throughout their career.

What medical practice gets sued the most?

Which Types of Doctors Are Most Likely To Be Sued?

  • General surgery: 90%
  • OB-GYN: 85%
  • Orthopedics: 82%
  • Plastic surgery: 73%
  • Otolaryngology: 72%
  • Radiology: 72%
  • Urology: 72%
  • Emergency medicine: 71%

Why is OB/GYN malpractice insurance so high?

OB/GYNs belong to one of the higher-risk specializations in medicine. This high level of risk is largely due to the outcomes associated with childbirth, maternal care, and fetal health. Even the smallest complications during these procedures can lead to lawsuits.

Navigating Malpractice Lawsuits: What Happens When Doctors Get Sued?

16 related questions found

What type of doctor has the highest malpractice insurance?

Surgical specialties with the highest-risk profiles pay the highest malpractice premiums. These specialties include neurosurgeons, OBGYNs, general surgeons, bariatric surgeons, plastic surgeons, and orthopedic surgeons.

What type of obgyn makes the most money?

The highest paying OB/GYN subspecialty is generally Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM), dealing with high-risk pregnancies, with average salaries often exceeding $500,000 annually, followed by Reproductive Endocrinology, and Urogynecology, while Gynecological Oncology also offers high compensation but with varying data. General OB/GYNs earn less, with top earners reaching $400k+, while hospitalists and gynecology-only roles typically earn less than subspecialties.
 

Why are obgyns most sued?

To be more specific, these are some of the most common reasons why American obstetricians and gynecologists get sued for medical malpractice: Maternal and/or fetal death during pregnancy and/or childbirth. Failed tubal ligations.

What doctor makes 700K a year?

Cardiac Anesthesiologist – $700K Annual Compensation.

Which profession gets sued the most?

Medical specialty

In general, surgical specialties are at highest risk and internal medicine subspecialties are at lowest risk. Obstetricians/gynecologists (ob-gyns), general surgeons, other surgeons and orthopedic surgeons are at highest risk of being sued during their careers.

Do doctors get sued often?

According to a study by the American Medical Association (AMA), a shocking 34% of physicians have faced a medical liability lawsuit at some point in their careers. The percentage is even higher for doctors 55 and older, with almost half the doctors surveyed reporting that they have been sued at least once.

Which nurse gets sued the most?

Labor and delivery nurses face the most malpractice claims in part because of well-established causal links between certain birth injuries and medical error making it the most litigated field of medicine in general.

Who is the most sued person?

Jonathan Lee Riches, known for filing thousands of bizarre lawsuits, did sue the Guinness World Records for allegedly planning to name him the "most litigious" person, claiming defamation and privacy invasion, though Guinness said no such record existed, and his cases were usually dismissed, making his lawsuits a ...

How often are OB GYNs sued?

According to the American Medical Association, more than 50% of physicians face a malpractice lawsuit at some point in their career and nearly 34% are sued by the time they have reached the age of 55. Other statistics also suggest that by age 45, 74% of OB/GYNs have been sued.

How to avoid being sued as a doctor?

Keeping proper/legally valid medical records is a must and should include patient's complete name on each and every medical record. Record both the medical act performed or the advice given as well as the purpose/reason for that particular medical act/advice.

What kind of doctor is the easiest to become?

The 7 Easiest Types of Doctor to Become & How to Get There

  • Anesthesiology.
  • Emergency Medicine.
  • Family Medicine.
  • Internal Medicine.
  • Pediatrics.
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
  • Psychiatry.

What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?

Yes, jobs paying $400,000 without a degree exist, notably Walmart Supercenter Managers, who can earn that much with bonuses and stock, but other paths include high-stakes sales, software development, commercial real estate, skilled trades (like power plant operators), and successful entrepreneurship/influencing, all requiring expertise and performance over formal education. 

What is the lowest paid doctor?

The lowest-paid doctor specialties are consistently in pediatrics and primary care, with Pediatric Endocrinology, Pediatric Rheumatology, and Medical Genetics & Genomics often topping the list, earning around $230,000-$260,000 annually, significantly less than subspecialties like surgery but offering good work-life balance. 

What jobs in the US pay $300,000 a year?

Jobs paying $300,000 or more annually in the U.S. typically involve high-level corporate roles, specialized medicine, finance, law, senior tech positions, or top-tier sales, often requiring extensive experience, advanced degrees, or exceptional skills, including C-suite executives, surgeons, investment bankers, high-performing software engineers, and elite sales professionals, with compensation including bonuses and equity. 

What are the red flags for OBGYN?

OB-GYN red flags include concerning symptoms like abnormal bleeding, persistent pelvic pain, unusual discharge, or painful sex, indicating potential issues like infections or endometriosis; signs of poor provider care such as dismissing pain, lack of boundaries, improper diagnosis, or rushed care; and pregnancy warning signs like severe pain, decreased fetal movement, or signs of preeclampsia. Recognizing these signals helps ensure timely medical attention and a trustworthy doctor-patient relationship.
 

What happens to a doctor if they get sued?

While the case is in motion, the doctor and their malpractice insurer respond to the claim with evidence and defense. Even if the lawsuit is resolved by settlement or judgment, it does not automatically trigger punishment of the doctor's license or criminal charges. It simply begins the legal aspect.

What are the odds of winning a malpractice suit?

Medical malpractice suits are difficult to win at trial, with plaintiffs winning only about 20-30% of cases that reach a jury, though success rates vary widely; however, most cases (around 80-90%) settle out of court, providing compensation without a trial verdict, with settlements heavily influenced by the strength of evidence, favoring physicians in weaker cases. 

Are OB-GYNs wealthy?

How Much Does an OBGYN Make? The OBGYN profession is vital in the healthcare industry, providing essential services related to women's health. In 2024, the average salary for OBGYNs is approximately $367,000. This figure represents a blend of compensation for permanent roles and locum tenens positions.

Do OB-GYNs get paid per delivery?

Yes, OB/GYNs often get paid for deliveries, but it's usually part of a global package that bundles prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care into one payment, rather than a simple fee per delivery. Compensation models vary: some physicians are salaried, others are paid per service (fee-for-service), and some receive bonuses, but the global package is common for total maternity care. 

Is being an obgyn worth it?

It all depends on which aspects of medicine you're most excited about. If you find immense joy in the beauty and miracle of life, then OB/GYN might be your specialty. Some people are truly passionate about pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health—and for them, the long hours and challenges are worth it.