Medical malpractice lawsuits abound in the United States today.  Many blame the problem on lack of training and insufficient staff in the medical field, but whatever the reason the statistics associated with these lawsuits are rather alarming.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, based on suits occurring in the 75 largest counties in the US,

• 90% of all medical malpractice lawsuits are brought by patients who have suffered permanent injury, or by those representing someone who has died as a result of malpractice.

• The Bureau of Justice Statistics also reported that almost half of all medical malpractice lawsuits filed in the US are brought against surgeons.

• Nearly 33% of medical malpractice lawsuits are attributed to non surgeons.

• The success rate of medical malpractice suits is only nearly a quarter of the total number filed.  This is a much lower percentage of success than other tort cases, however the amount of compensation awarded in malpractice cases is significantly higher.

The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) produced an article highlighting these medical malpractice lawsuit statistics, with regard to patient deaths:

• 106,000 patients die each year from the negative effects of medication
• 80,000 patients die each year due to complications from infections incurred in hospitals
• 20,000 deaths per year occur from other hospital errors
• 12,000 people die every year as a result of unnecessary surgery
• 7,000 medical malpractice deaths per year are attributed to medication errors in hospitals

This totals up to 225,000 deaths each year, due to medical negligence of some nature.  And that number is ever growing.

In 2006, a report was produced by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, in which it is stated that medication errors are one of the most common medical mistakes, causing injury or harm to at least 1.5 million people every year.

With numbers like this, it’s no wonder medical malpractice lawsuits are on the rise.  Patients are exercising their rights under the law and holding the medical field accountable for their actions.  If you feel you are one of these victims, you should sit down with a lawyer who is experienced in medical malpractice lawsuits to help you pursue justice in your claim.

See Also: Medical Lawyer