By Jesse Russell

Why get sued when a simple "I'm sorry" would do? The Idaho legislature has enacted a new plan that they hope will cut back on malpractice lawsuits - encouraging doctors to apologize when treatments don't go as planned. Insurance companies have a long-standing practice of encouraging doctors not to apologize in such cases out of fear it may increase the chance of a lawsuit. However, Robin Brody of the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association says studies show that when doctors apologize and explain unintended outcomes, patients are less likely to sue:

[Brody]: "When we let our doctors talk to patients openly, ultimately that benefits everyone."

The new Idaho apology law allows doctors to apologize without being concerns that the conversation can be used against them in court.