Interestingly, multiple studies have shown that doctors owning up to mistakes and apologizing results in smaller med mal settlements. I believe a few carriers recommended it.
As an attorney, I’ve made mistakes and screwed things up. The initial instinct is to be less than candid and not admit anything. Then, after a sweaty sleepless night, I bit the bullet and was open and honest with the client, admitted fault, apologized, and offered to do what I could to make it right. Every reptilian synapse was screaming “don’t do it,” but it was the right thing to do, and I have no doubt, cost me much less in the end.
As an attorney, I’ve made mistakes and screwed things up. The initial instinct is to be less than candid and not admit anything. Then, after a sweaty sleepless night, I bit the bullet and was open and honest with the client, admitted fault, apologized, and offered to do what I could to make it right. Every reptilian synapse was screaming “don’t do it,” but it was the right thing to do, and I have no doubt, cost me much less in the end.