What medical field gets sued the most?

Asked by: Chris Zboncak  |  Last update: March 27, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (73 votes)

Medical fields with the highest malpractice lawsuit rates consistently include Surgery (general, orthopedic, neurosurgery), Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN), and sometimes Emergency Medicine, due to the high-stakes, complex, and unpredictable nature of procedures and outcomes, leading to frequent claims even if they don't always result in payouts.

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.

Why do doctors get sued so much?

Failure to diagnose or a delay in diagnosis

This is the most common malpractice allegation made by patients. To prevent an incorrect or missed diagnosis, make sure you are diligent in following patients' complaints to a full diagnosis. Also, be familiar with the error rates of your diagnostic instruments.

What doctor makes 700K a year?

Cardiac Anesthesiologist – $700K Annual Compensation.

What profession has the most lawsuits?

General surgery (59.3% sued in career) Orthopedic surgery (47.2% sued in career) Emergency medicine (46.8% sued in career) Radiology (40.2% sued in career)

What Doctors Get Sued the Most for Medical Malpractice?

27 related questions found

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.

Which nurse is most likely to be sued?

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.

Has every doctor been sued?

Unfortunately, being sued for medical malpractice is a very real possibility, according to a 2022 American Medical Association (AMA) analysis. In fact, the findings show that about 30% of US physicians have been sued for medical malpractice. And the longer you're in practice, the higher the risk.

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 doctors are sued the most?

Which Types of Doctors Are Most Likely To Be Sued?

  • Ophthalmology: 49%
  • Oncology: 47%
  • Internal medicine: 46%
  • Family medicine: 45%
  • Physical medicine and rehabilitation: 45%
  • Pathology: 44%
  • Pediatrics: 43%
  • Psychiatry: 30%

Are anesthesiologists sued a lot?

In contrast, anesthesiologists experience an annual rate of paid malpractice claims of 11.7 per 1000 physicians-years with a similar percentage of paid malpractice claims (10%) reaching over one million dollars. Malpractice claims can have even more profound consequences to medical trainees.

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

Jobs that can pay $400K a year without a degree include commercial real estate brokers, successful YouTubers or influencers, self-employed software developers, high-stakes sales roles like enterprise tech sales, and business owners. These roles rely on skill, market demand, and performance rather than formal education.

What doctor is a billionaire?

Dr.

But Thomas Frist Jr. is wealthier than just about everybody after he and his dad founded HCA Healthcare, which owns 190 hospitals and thousands of other healthcare sites, in 1968. Thomas Frist Jr.

Do doctors earn more in the USA or India?

Which Country Pays Doctors the Most in 2025? The United States tops the list in 2025. Both general practitioners (GPs) and specialists earning up to ₹2.5 Crore annually.

Can doctors be sued personally?

In some cases, you may be able to bring your medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor personally. Some doctors operate as independent contractors rather than hospital employees. These doctors can be personally sued for medical negligence, as opposed to suing their employer.

Can a doctor be sued for being rude?

A healthcare provider's rude or verbal misconduct can possibly be a violation of ethical and licensing rules, but rude or verbal misconduct does not fall into the medical malpractice category. If a provider's actions do not result in injury than it cannot be considered medical malpractice.