Jeffrey Goodis, Andrew Hudson, and Brittany Hudson recently had the privilege of presenting to a local chapter of the Physician Assistants Association on the timely and crucial topic of “Best Practices to Avoid Medical Malpractice Lawsuits.” The interactive session brought together dozens of Physician Assistants (PAs) from a variety of specialties to learn practical, real-world strategies for risk reduction in their daily clinical practices.

Drawing from their extensive experience in defending healthcare professionals in malpractice claims, the attorneys offered valuable legal insights tailored specifically for the PA audience. Mr. Goodis opened the presentation with an overview of current trends in medical malpractice litigation, emphasizing the most common causes of claims, including diagnostic errors, communication breakdowns, and documentation issues. His message was clear: prevention begins with awareness.

Mr. Hudson focused on documentation, reinforcing the importance of thorough, accurate, and timely charting. He provided real examples where poor documentation contributed to adverse outcomes and legal exposure. He also outlined key elements of defensible documentation and offered best practices that PAs could implement immediately.

Mrs. Hudson wrapped up the session with a deep dive into patient communication. She emphasized how clear, compassionate, and consistent communication can significantly reduce the likelihood of patient dissatisfaction and claims. She also shared techniques for navigating difficult conversations, managing patient expectations, and recognizing situations that may signal future legal risk. Her insights served as a powerful reminder of the human side of medicine—and how it often intersects with the legal system.

The session concluded with a lively Q&A, where attendees asked thoughtful questions ranging from informed consent nuances to navigating electronic medical records.

This collaborative event underscored the value of proactive legal education for healthcare providers. By understanding the legal landscape and adopting preventive practices, Physician Assistants can reduce their risk while improving patient care.

Our attorneys were honored to support the PA community and look forward to continuing their outreach and educational efforts across the healthcare field. Their message was simple but impactful: staying informed and practicing with intention is the best defense against malpractice claims.