Many dentists do not realize that even as a sole practitioner, their clinic may be named in a malpractice action if it is set up as a separate entity.

Posted in Malpractice Insurance on Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Did you know that forming a separate entity by filing paperwork with the Secretary of State’s office to incorporate could put your practice itself at risk for being sued?

Many dentists do not realize that even as a sole practitioner, their clinic may be named in a malpractice action if it is set up as a separate entity.

In fact, plaintiff attorneys have access to various resources, such as Secretary of State websites, which can be used to search for entities associated with you and your practice. If an entity is found in this search, it is likely that it will be named in any malpractice lawsuit that is filed.

Should this entity not be named on your malpractice policy, PSIC would not be obligated to provide a defense for the entity. As a result, this could potentially cost you thousands of dollars.

However, there is a solution to this issue in the fact that PSIC offers a shared limits of liability entity coverage option at no additional premium. Therefore, as the owner of a dental entity, e.g., an LLC, partnership, corporation or other, you can share your limits of liability with your practice entity at no additional charge. (Separate limits are also available for an additional premium.)

In order to best protect yourself and your practice, please contact PSIC today at 1-800-864-8026. We will review your policy, analyze the situation and explain your options.