When a medical provider does something wrong that results in the injury or worsened medical condition of their patient, it is known as medical malpractice. While medical errors might seem unimaginable, they actually happen more often than you might realize. Even worse, fatal instances of medical malpractice are also not uncommon.
A few years ago, a John Hopkins University School of Medicine study revealed that medical malpractice could feasibly be the third-leading cause of death in the country. Based on that study, at least 250,000 Americans die each year due to some sort of medical error. But, depending on what is considered a medical mistake, that number could be as high as 440,000.
Other medical malpractice statistics worth noting include:
- Unnecessary surgery is believed to cause about 12,000 deaths each year.
- More than 100,000 deaths each year might be related to medication complications.
- Up to 1,500,000 people suffer a nonfatal injury due to a medical error each year.
- Only 1-in-50 medical malpractice victims will pursue a claim.
- About 50% of medical malpractice cases are filed against surgeons in particular.
The news was harrowing, especially given that the source was so reliable and had done such a thorough job with its research. After the news broke, more calls to improve patient safety and hospital protocols were made. But legislative changes are often slow and difficult to implement, so it is not known how soon noticeable improvements across the medical industry will be seen.
For legal help in South Texas after suffering an injury due to medical malpractice or losing a loved one to it, come to Maloney Law Group, P.L.L.C. Our attorneys can tell you more about your legal options during a consultation.
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