Medical Malpractice – Some Recent Facts and Figures

It seems every day there is a new study about health or healthcare revealing some evidence that leaves most of us more confused than before we knew about it. Eggs are bad for you, eggs are good for you, it’s hard to put it all together and understand what’s really going on.

However, when a study says medical malpractice is killing more people than most diseases, it’s time to pay attention and be concerned. Especially when the study was conducted by doctors.

A recent John’s Hopkins Medical School surgeon led a research team that concluded medical errors are the third-leading cause of death after heart attacks and cancer. That’s downright frightening.

The Numbers

So, exactly what are the leading causes of death in the U.S.?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When most people think of medical malpractice, they think of a doctor making an error in surgery, like removing the wrong organ or leaving an instrument inside someone.

Actually the top three causes of death due to medical error are (1) misdiagnosis (2) infection (3) drug errors. So, what can you do, individually, to beat these numbers?

What Can You Do?

A man named Sy Syms started a chain of retail stores he called “Syms” and the slogan he used in his television commercials was “an educated consumer is our best customer.” It worked, he became a multi-millionaire using it.

We at MalpracticeAttorneys.com always urge our readers to get as much information about doctors, hospitals, and drugs to be an “educated patient.”

(1) When you receive a diagnosis that is serious, get a second opinion. If your insurance says they won’t pay for it, argue with them.

(2) There is a website that rates hospitals in many areas, and one is for infection cases. It’s here: http://www.hospitalsafetyscore.org/ Check your hospital’s rating, and if it’s not good, find one that is.

(3) Drugs – here you need to be vigilant. When a nurse hands you a handful of pills, take the time to look at them. Ask questions about who prescribed them and why. Have a friend or family member help you if you don’t feel up to it. Double check with your doctor that you are taking the right medicine.

There is Help

MalpracticeAttorneys.com is the leading source for news and information related to all types of professional malpractice and our service is free to victims. Simply click here and answer a few short questions. We will be back in touch with you promptly with the contact information of a qualified attorney who is near to you and who specializes in cases like yours.