Rarely will medical institutions willfully mistreat or neglect patients’ care or concerns. However, that is not to say it doesn’t happen, and with patients now more aware than ever of their healthcare rights, medical malpractice lawsuits are on the rise. Empower yourself with information by learning more about medical malpractice lawsuits below, including what they are, how common they are, and what you can do to protect yourself.
Understanding Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional deviates from the standards of their profession and it results in harm to a patient. Defining what constitutes malpractice, however, can be complex. It’s not just about a negative outcome—medicine is an inexact science, after all. It’s also entirely possible for treatments and surgeries to go wrong at no fault of the medical professionals involved.
A malpractice lawsuit typically involves a mistake that a medical professional or facility could have avoided if they had followed proper procedures. This might include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, improper medication dosages, or a failure to inform the patient of the risks of a procedure.
The Annual Number of Medical Malpractice Claims
Now to answer the question: how common are medical malpractice lawsuits? As one of several shocking medical malpractice statistics in the US, the number averages about 20,000 claims a year. The exact number, however, will differ, owing to variations in reporting methods and the private settlement of many cases. While not every claim results in a lawsuit, the volume of complaints filed is indicative of the challenges facing the healthcare industry.
Advice for Concerned Patients
If you’re worried about becoming a statistic in the world of medical malpractice, you can take proactive steps to ensure your safety. The most effective tool at your disposal is communication. Be sure to ask your healthcare providers plenty of questions, understand your treatments, and voice any concerns you might have. If you ever feel that the care you received wasn’t up to par, seek a second opinion. Ultimately, a patient who is informed and engaged with their healthcare is less likely to encounter a scenario leading to a malpractice claim.
Understanding this information about medical malpractice lawsuits helps patients remain vigilant about the quality of care they receive. While such lawsuits may reflect a small percentage of overall medical encounters, their existence is a reminder of the importance of high standards in healthcare. Always communicate openly with your healthcare provider, and don’t hesitate to ask for more information whenever you’re in doubt. It’s through this partnership between patients and healthcare providers that the highest level of care can be achieved.
