Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I already have malpractice insurance, so why join Doctor’s Advocate?
A: A Doctor’s Advocate private attorney is needed because:

1. The interest of your med-mal carrier and the attorney it hires are frequently different from your interests.
2. Attorneys hired by the med-mal carrier depend upon volume, which is why a lawsuit can drag on for five or more years. A private attorney can help move the case along.
3. A private attorney sometimes sees things the med-mal insurance attorney misses.
4. A Doctor’s Advocate private attorney will demand that the lawsuit be dropped immediately, a tactic rarely used by the insurance company attorney.
5. Two attorneys, from separate firms, working on your behalf gives you an advantage and peace of mind.

Q: I am a nurse practitioner. Can Doctor’s Advocate still work for me?
A: Yes. Doctor’s Advocate fights for all health care professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, residents, and other allied professionals.

Q: Does the Doctor’s Advocate attorney replace my insurance company attorney?
A: No. The Doctor’s Advocate attorney works in conjunction with your appointed attorney.

Q: Am I allowed to have two attorneys represent me in a case?
A: Yes. You are allowed to have as many attorneys as you would like on a case.

Q: How much would it cost to hire private counsel?
A: A private attorney outside of Doctor’s Advocate could charge $25,000.00 or more to represent you, from the inception to conclusion of the case.

Q: Am I protected immediately after I subscribe to Doctor’s Advocate?
A: Yes. You are covered immediately after subscribing.

Q: What if I have an existing lawsuit, or have reason to believe that I may be sued?
A: In such a scenario, you must pay a separate $5,000.00 fee for coverage for an existing suit or a suit that is filed within 120 days of joining Doctor’s Advocate.

Q: Does the lawyer from Doctor’s Advocate communicate with my insurance company’s attorney about the case?
A: Your Doctor’s Advocate attorney will contact your insurance carrier’s attorney immediately upon being notified of the lawsuit. The Doctor’s Advocate attorney will be copied on all correspondence regarding your case.

Q: Does the lawyer from Doctor’s Advocate communicate with the plaintiff’s attorney?
A: Plaintiff’s attorney will be contacted immediately. If your case is deemed to be unmeritorious by the Doctor’s Advocate counsel, the Doctor’s Advocate counsel will demand that your case be dropped.

Q: Can the attorney from my insurance company refuse to represent me because I am a member of Doctor’s Advocate and have a private attorney?
A: No. Your insurance carrier must tender defense counsel to you, pursuant to the terms of your policy.