They say goood news never makes headlines, but "they" are wrong today. This morning I read this headline in the NY Times: "Doctors Start to Say ‘I’m Sorry’ Long Before ‘See You in Court.’" As it turns out, when docs admit they messed up, “Improving patient safety and patient communication is more likely to cure the malpractice crisis than defensiveness and denial.” A major health system that experimented with full disclosure found that existing claims and lawsuits dropped to 83 in August 2007 from 262 in August 2001, according to the medical center's chief risk officer.

Turns out a lot of suits come from folks trying to get the irresponsible to take responsibility for their actions.

In an ancient sermon given on a mount, a wise man once offered this piece of wisdom: "Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison" (Matt. 5:25). And it turns out, following his advice not only brings reconciliation, but it can also save a lot of money.