Problem
A patient has filed a $3 million medical malpractice lawsuit against St. Patrick Hospital. In light of the patient's litigious background and the facts of the case, hospital administration is adamant that it is not liable. It has instructed its legal counsel to proceed toward trial, where it may be absolved of liability.
1. Is the hospital's decision to proceed toward trial a wise one? Why or why not?
2. What other options does the hospital have?
3. Besides the financial resources required to legally defend itself, identify at least two non-monetary factors that the hospital must take into consideration when deciding to proceed toward trial?
4. What risks does the hospital assume when it takes a case to trial?