Medical malpractice is one of the leading causes of death, but what do we really know about this issue? Let’s take some time to discuss this matter with a little depth.
Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor or health care professional deviates from the standard of care that’s widely recognized, resulting in harm to the patient. It’s the third leading cause of death falling behind heart disease and cancer.
According to forbes.com, “in 2012, over $3 million was spent in medical malpractice payouts, averaging one payout every 43 minutes.” This is an alarming thought, since people place faith in doctors to help, not harm them. In most cases, these mistakes are avoidable.
The Journal of Patient Safety concludes, “that the number of deaths resulting from malpractice ranges from 210,000-440,000 patients per year, who receive medical care in hospitals suffer some preventable harm resulting in their deaths.” According to research conducted by John T. James, roughly one-sixth of all deaths in the United States each year resulted from medical malpractice.
What to do if you feel you’ve been a victim of medical malpractice:
In some cases, where injuries were minor, patients happily accepted an apology from the physician. However, this isn’t the case when severe injuries and death occur. If you or a loved one has fallen victim to medical malpractice, settling for an apology isn’t an easy fix.
For patients that endured unbearable injuries as a result of physician neglect, there’s a few options for your consideration. First, you could settle out of court and make a deal with the physician’s malpractice insurer. However, keep in mind, your injuries may extend beyond your understanding. Or secondly, you could take your case to trial. In either instance, it’s wise to consult with an attorney, as they’re better suited to guide you through this process.
Contacting an attorney for medical malpractice:
As the statutes of limitations and laws surrounding malpractice vary by state, contact an attorney in your area to help guide you through the claims process. Attorney’s investigate your claim, obtain pertinent documents for your case and guide you in the right direction.
Don’t fight the insurance company on your own, letting and attorney help will yield better results.
To talk more about medical malpractice in California, call Mitchell Leeds, LLP at 415-769-3400 or contact us online.
