So, the doctor does his or her best and gets sued anyway, and the parents try to stick the doctor with the bill. The child’s disability is costly and regretful I’d imagine, but probably not the doctor’s fault and the Washington Supreme Court agrees.

And, for those, “see, the system works” people–because the Supreme Court ultimately rejected the argument, I’d imagine over $100K in defense costs were incurred to defend this meritless case. The initial court probably ruled against the plaintiff, the appeals court and now the Supreme Court–all at the doctor’s expense. Defending such appeals is expensive and one reason why medical malpractice insurance is costly.

And, other than “hard” costs–what about the doctor’s guilt or regret, if even unjustified, shame or anger for having been drug down in this litigation. Ever wonder why health care is expensive? This is one reason.