Nearly every patient is exposed to the potential for medical malpractice. Fortunately, though, most of these patients never even know of the risk because properly trained and attentive doctors provide then with adequate care. Yet, every year, thousands of instances of hospital negligence occur, leaving thousands of individuals with serious injuries.
Perhaps the most frightening aspect of medical malpractice is that it can take many forms. A study, recently published in JAMA Internal Medicine, identified the top five causes of hospital negligence lawsuits. Holding the top spot is inaccurate or missed diagnoses. In second place was breach of care caused by the failures of others, including medical equipment. Holding the third spot was surgical errors, followed by failure to monitor medical personnel and medication errors, respectively. The study looked at over 30,000 medical malpractice cases filed between 1985 and 2009.
All of the errors mentioned above can be tragic. Medical malpractice victims may be left with a worsened medical condition, a permanent disability, or dead. Those who survive the ordeal are often left with long-lasting pain, deformation, emotional turmoil and financial loss due to medical expenses and lost wages. An individual who finds himself or herself in this circumstance may feel as if the world is against him or her, but that is not the case.
In fact, Oregon’s medical malpractice attorneys are ready to assist with victims claims. These lawyers can assess the facts of a case, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and apply the law in a way that supports a victim’s best interests. By doing this, an attorney can give a victim a chance at recovering compensation for medical expense, including long-term care, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Such a lawsuit not only helps a victim obtain the financial relief he or she needs, but it also raises awareness of flaws in the healthcare system which will hopefully bring about change that will protect future patients from a similar outcome.
Source: The Clinical Advisor, “Top 5 reasons for internal medicine malpractice suits,” Ann W. Latner, May 202014