For many physicians involved in medical malpractice litigation, the deposition is the point when the case begins to feel much more immediate. Until then, you may have spent months, or longer, knowing that a lawsuit exists while your attorneys handled much of the activity surrounding it. At a deposition, the focus shifts to you. You will be asked about your training, your practice, the patient's care, your medical judgment, and your recollection of the events at issue.

It is natural to approach that experience with some apprehension, particularly if you have never given sworn testimony before. Understanding the purpose of a deposition and knowing what to expect when the day arrives can make the process far more manageable.

Receiving legal papers naming you in a medical malpractice lawsuit can make an ordinary day feel anything but ordinary.

Even physicians who understand that litigation is an inherent risk of practicing medicine are rarely prepared for the experience of seeing their own name on a summons and complaint. The allegations may feel deeply personal, the legal language may be unfamiliar, and the natural instinct is often to begin reconstructing the case immediately: What happened? What do I remember? Could I have done something differently?

Those questions are understandable. But the first days after being served are not the time to investigate the case on your own.

They are the time to make sure the right people are involved, preserve what already exists, and allow the defense process to begin.

For most physicians, the possibility of a medical malpractice lawsuit is something they know exists, but hope they'll never experience firsthand.

Yet the reality is that many highly skilled, conscientious physicians will face a malpractice claim at some point during their careers. Receiving notice of a lawsuit can be one of the most unsettling moments in a medical professional's life, not simply because of the legal implications, but because it can call into question years of education, dedication, and hard-earned reputation.

The important thing to remember is this: being named in a lawsuit does not mean you were negligent, and it certainly does not define the quality of your care.

Most physicians never expect to find themselves involved in a medical malpractice lawsuit. And yet, for many healthcare professionals, it is a reality of practicing medicine.

One of the first questions we hear from clients is simple: "What happens now?"

The answer depends on the specific circumstances of the case, but most malpractice lawsuits follow a fairly predictable path. Understanding that process can help remove some of the uncertainty and allow physicians to focus on what matters most: their patients, their practice, and their family.

Welcome to the Kutner, Corrado & Friedrich News Room, where we share practical information for physicians and other medical professionals facing legal and professional liability issues.

Whether you are responding to a malpractice lawsuit, preparing for an administrative hearing, or simply want to better understand the legal process, this blog is intended to provide clear, straightforward guidance. We will discuss what to expect during litigation, explain key legal concepts, and offer insights drawn from decades of experience defending healthcare professionals throughout Long Island and New York City.