Medical Malpractice: A Tragic Cause of Injury and Death
We place a great deal of trust in our doctors. We put our health, quality of life, and, in many cases, our very lives in their hands. When a doctor breaks that trust through negligence, it can have untold physical and emotional consequences. Medical malpractice can range from glaring surgical mistakes to careless misdiagnoses. You may assume that these errors are few and far between. Sadly, the statistics show that medical malpractice is a widespread and very serious problem in this country. If you or your family have been affected by medical malpractice, you deserve compassionate, yet aggressive, legal support. Norman J. Younker and his team will work unfailingly to uncover the exact circumstances of the incident. Then they will fight in negotiation or in court to obtain the compensation you deserve. To learn more about medical malpractice statistics, contact our Salt Lake City practice today.
Medical Malpractice: A Basic Introduction
Medical malpractice occurs when a health care professional strays from the standard of care. Malpractice can manifest itself in several ways. Types of medical malpractice include:
- Operating on the wrong area
- Causing injuries during surgery
- Failure to maintain proper hygiene or safety standards
- Nicking a nerve
- Prescribing the wrong medication or an incorrect dosage
- Misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose a serious medical condition
- Birth injuries
Doctors are typically associated with medical malpractice. However, in some cases, a nurse, therapist, pharmacist, or other professional may be found guilty of negligence.
A Look at the Alarming Numbers
Medical malpractice cases are far too common in this country, as evidenced by the following statistics.
- According to the Journal of Patient Safety, between 210,000 and 400,000 people die each year due to preventable medical errors.
- This makes medical malpractice the third leading cause of death in the United States. It falls behind heart disease (611,105 deaths per year) and cancer (584,881 deaths per year).
- According to the 2013 Becker’s Hospital Review, 31 percent of all medical malpractice claims involved fatalities. 12 percent of all claims involved brain damage, quadriplegia, or other injuries requiring lifelong care.
- Diagnostic errors are the most common type of medical malpractice. Becker’s Hospital Review reports that these mistakes comprised 33 percent of all malpractice claims in 2013. Surgical errors were also common, making up 24 percent of such lawsuits. Treatment errors and mistakes in obstetrics were also frequent reasons for malpractice suits.
Are You Suffering from Medical Malpractice?
Everyone makes mistakes. However, tragic medical errors are inexcusable. These missteps can result in debilitating injuries, lifelong health issues, birth defects, and even death. As a result, you and your family may face significant expenses. You may have to pay further medical bills. You may even be out of work due to poor health or handicaps. You are likely struggling with emotional upheaval and significant physical pain. Of course, we know that financial compensation will not restore your health or give you back your quality of life. However, we will work hard to obtain money to help you cover these excess costs. Then you can focus on healing without the added pressure of financial stress. A malpractice suit can also keep negligent doctors from inflicting pain on other patients in the future.
Schedule a Case Evaluation
Medical malpractice suits are among the most complex legal cases. Our firm focuses exclusively on these lawsuits. Therefore, we are highly qualified to help you obtain your rightful compensation. Contact us today to book an evaluation.
