This paper examines the impact of varying levels of malpractice litigation on area medical costs. Using a fixed-effects model and Medicare Part B as the dependent variable, the results indicate that per enrollee medical expenditures are positively related to the incidence of medical malpractice...

This paper examines the relationship of medical malpractice litigation and medical costs in the United States. We relate medical malpractice settlements to medical costs for 190 metro and non-metro areas in the United States over a 5-year period and find that litigation is positively and...