Medical Liability Insurance Challenges During COVID-۱۹: A Comparative Study with the United States

The global COVID-۱۹ pandemic, as one of the most significant health, structural, and legal challenges of the ۲۱st century, has put health systems worldwide-particularly in Iran and the United States-to a critical test. This crisis not only imposed immense pressure on medical facilities and resources but also contributed to the rise and intensification of medical malpractice claims and liability insurance issues. This comparative study examines the factors influencing medical malpractice, legal protections for healthcare workers, and liability insurance challenges during the pandemic, drawing on the legal frameworks, insurance mechanisms, and managerial experiences of both countries. Findings indicate that while the United States has partially mitigated legal pressures through advanced protective legislation such as the PREP Act and risk management systems like CRP, Iran continues to face structural weaknesses and gaps in legal safeguards. By analyzing the strengths and limitations of both health systems, this study offers practical recommendations to enhance the quality of medical care and strengthen the legal framework of medical liability in Iran, providing valuable guidance for policymakers and health sector stakeholders.

Keywords:

COVID-۱۹ , global crisis , Iran , United States , medical malpractice , liability insurance , legal protection , healthcare workers