Calls for tort reform in regards to medical malpractice are popular on the campaign trail. But research shows that costs from medical liability make up just 2 to 2.5 percent of total health care spending in the U.S. FangXiaNuo/Getty Images/iStockphoto hide caption
Dr. Lars Aanning, seen at his home outside Yankton, S.D., said he lied to protect a colleague in a malpractice case. Now, Aanning is a patient safety advocate. Jay Pickthorn/AP for ProPublica hide caption
General surgeons are among the doctors most likely to be the subjects of paid malpractice claims. ERproductions Ltd/Blend Images/Getty Images hide caption
Dr. Kunal Saha (far right) and Anuradha were married in Calcutta, India in 1985. She died 11 years later after being prescribed a dangerous dose of a steroid. Courtesy of Kunal Saha hide caption
When a medical error causes harm, there may be an alternative to litigation for compensation. ImageZoo/Corbis hide caption
If they make a mistake, will they let you know? Probably not, a survey finds. Corbis hide caption
Alana and Troy Pack died in 2003 when a woman abusing pain pills hit the children with her car. The accident has led to a ballot measure that, among other things, would put new constraints on physicians. Courtesy of the Pack family hide caption
Early intervention can lead to quicker resolution of malpractice claims. iStockphoto.com hide caption
Nearly $1.3 billion was paid in malpractice claims for outpatient events in 2009. Mark Winfrey (EyeMark)/iStockphoto.com hide caption
A mediator can help prevent a dispute over health care from winding up in court. iStockphoto.com hide caption