Medical Malpractice in America
With the rise of medical errors in the United States, our health care system has become the third leading cause of death, just behind heart disease and cancer.
The Institute of Medicine published a report in 1999 called ‘‘To Err is Human’. The report estimated that 98,000 people die each year because of mistakes in hospitals. Although it was disputed, the number is now widely known. A more recent study from the Journal of Patient Safety shows that medical errors contribute to between 210,000 and 440,000 patients each year in the U.S. Even though the number remains an estimate, other resources have also found it credible.
According to a study published in the journal BMJ Quality & Safety, out of 12 million people who seek medical care, about one in 20 patients are misdiagnosed. People can put in extra effort and attention to protect themselves by being their own advocates and making sure their doctors know their full medical history. When medical negligence does cause someone harm, know that you do have the right to seek compensation through a medical malpractice lawsuit. At the Balkin & Mausner, we will fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-THE-BULL for more information.
Read the original article here.