The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume
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Poor clinical outcomes and adverse events following orthopaedic trauma are common, which may lead to litigation. To our knowledge, factors associated with litigation following fracture care have not previously been evaluated. ⋯ This study examined malpractice litigation following traumatic orthopaedic injuries. In cases with decisions for the plaintiff, indemnity payments were on average more than $2.5 million larger than payments for settlements. In fracture cases with neurological deficit, malpractice cases were more likely to result in a favorable outcome for the plaintiff.