Negligent referral claims are usually made when one professional refers a client/patient to a more specialized practitioner who then commits an error or omission that injures the claimant. For example, if a family physician refers a patient to a surgeon who injures the patient during an operation, the patient could allege that the family physician negligently referred them to the surgeon. Professional liability insurance typically covers negligent referral claims when they are made against the professional who refers a client/patient to another professional.