An estimated 225,000 people die each year from some form of medical malpractice, from incorrect dosages to surgical errors, to wrong diagnosis. This is the third most common reason for death in the United States. Only 2% of those who suffer from medical malpractice ever file claims for compensation.
How is it that medical malpractice can occur as often as it does?
Malpractice can be committed by any health care professional, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, office staff, and more. Malpractice can be a result of a failure to diagnose a problem, a misdiagnosis, improper treatment, a medication error, a surgical error, a failure to follow up, or many more causes.
What happens to doctors guilty of malpractice?
Actually, in the vast majority of cases where the doctor is found to be guilty of malpractice, the doctor does not lose their license. If the jury finds the doctor did in fact breach the standard of care, the jury will then determine damages (subject to the medical malpractice cap in Louisiana).
How hard is it to win a malpractice lawsuit?
A study of the outcomes of medical malpractice cases spanning 20 years found that physicians win the majority of these cases. Physicians win 80% to 90% of jury trials with weak evidence, around 70% of cases with borderline evidence, and 50% of trials with strong evidence of medical negligence.
How often does medical malpractice happen in the United States?
Even though we are routinely taking these drugs, medical malpractice due to medication errors remains relatively common. In fact, roughly 1.5 million individuals in the United States suffer from injuries due to medication errors each year.
What are some examples of medical malpractice errors?
Even if the doctor is administering the correct treatment, major errors are still possible. A hasty doctor leaves medical gauze inside of a patient. A disorganized hospital team mixes up two patients, resulting in medical procedures being performed on the wrong individuals.
Which is the best medical malpractice law firm?
Ross Feller Casey is the preeminent medical malpractice law firm in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and beyond and has an unmatched record of multimillion-dollar recoveries in serious lawsuits involving medical and hospital negligence. Disclaimer: Ross Feller Casey, LLP provides legal advice only after an attorney-client relationship is formed.
