In an uncertain world and tumultuous political climate it can feel as though the pillars upon which our society rests are eroding and threaten to come tumbling down upon us. Heads of state, churches, schools, hospitals, armed forces and law enforcement officials; the people we rely upon to keep us safe and healthy can seem to crumble on under the weight of greed, avarice, laziness or incompetence. But is this a quantifiable national phenomenon or is it the product of our paranoid minds? Are we living in an era where those we entrust with our health, safety and wellbeing let us down more than ever or are we simply looking for opportunities for litigation?
Certainly when it comes to medical malpractice, any reasonable mind would think twice before making such a serious and potentially damaging claim. Indeed, the statistics show that reasonable minds prevail. As of late 2017 medical malpractice claims have dipped although the average payment cost is rising. When it comes to making a malpractice claim there are many myths and misconceptions which may either give someone pause before making a perfectly valid claim or, on the other hand, encourage someone to make a claim when it is really not appropriate to do so.
Thus, if you feel you may have grounds for a claim, yet have held off because you worry that your claim may not be taken seriously in a deluge of similar claims this can prevent you from getting the reparations that you deserve.
This report would indicate that medical malpractice is among the leading causes of death in the United States behind cancer and heart disease.
If you feel that you have been mistreated by your healthcare provider in a way that has had an adverse effect upon your health and wellbeing it is best to consult with an attorney with experience in the field for advice before submitting a complaint against them.
The Frequency of Medical Malpractice Claims is Low
The relative frequency of high profile medical malpractice claims perhaps give us a disproportionate sense of how frequently medical malpractice claims are made. The truth, however, is that medical malpractice claims account for a tiny percentage of personal injury claims (less than 5% nationwide).Thus, if you feel you may have grounds for a claim, yet have held off because you worry that your claim may not be taken seriously in a deluge of similar claims this can prevent you from getting the reparations that you deserve.
Could Medical Malpractice Be The Third Leading Cause of Death in the US?
It’s a sobering thought but the sheer number of fatalities caused by medical negligence could be far in excess of the Institute of Medicine (IoM)’s conservative estimate of 98,000 per year. A 20019 study by John Hopkins Hospital estimated that the number of deaths caused by medical negligence was (at the time) closer to 200,000. An even more damning report on deaths caused by medical errors published in 2016 revealed that 250,000 deaths were attributed to medical malpractice.This report would indicate that medical malpractice is among the leading causes of death in the United States behind cancer and heart disease.
Finally, where there’s blame there isn’t necessarily a claim
While the evidence makes for potentially worrying reading, it’s important to remember that not everything is grounds for a medical malpractice claim. There are many excellent doctors and medical practitioners who have a lousy bedside manner, likewise it can be infuriating and upsetting when a doctor tells you something that you really don’t want to hear but rarely is this grounds for a legitimate claim.If you feel that you have been mistreated by your healthcare provider in a way that has had an adverse effect upon your health and wellbeing it is best to consult with an attorney with experience in the field for advice before submitting a complaint against them.
