NH Considers Early Offer Program to Speed and Reduce Medical Malpractice Claims

The Union Leader carries an article describing a new bill before the New Hampshire Senate — Senate Bill 406: "Establishing an early offer alternative in medical injury claims". The bill "seeks to bypass costly and time-consuming litigation and give patients, providers and attorneys a pathway to a quick resolution."

According to the report by Garry Rayno:

"Under the bill, a patient who believes he has suffered an injury from medical care may request to participate in the early-offer program instead of the [screening panels] system that's already in place. If the provider also agrees to participate, the patient will be guaranteed a payment, Bradley said, though it might not be as big.

A patient who submits a claim under the new system will have to undergo an exam by an independent health care provider as well as submit information about medical costs and lost wages. The participating provider would then respond with an offer of payment based on the severity of the injury, ranging from $1,700 to $117,500 along with lost wages."

For more information, see the full article: Garry Rayno's State House Dome: Bill on injury claims aims to please all