At some point in our lives, we all must rely on the assistance and expertise of hospitals, doctors, pharmacists, surgeons and medical professionals. Unfortunately, even the most well trained and experienced medical professionals can make mistakes when treating injuries or illness.
When medical negligence, surgical errors or misdiagnosis causes a patient to suffer severe harm or injury, they may have a claim to financial compensation through a Medical Malpractice case.
Tragically, Medical Malpractice is a widespread problem that plagues hundreds of thousands of Americans every year. When patients are faced with revision surgeries, complications or lingering health issues after electing to undergo medical treatment, the consequences can be devastating. Worse yet, it has taken many years to grasp just how frequently cases of Medical Malpractice arise in the United States.
Here are some troubling statistics regarding the cost and scope of Medical Malpractice in America:
• A 2013 study by the Journal of Patient Safety estimated that between 210,000 and 440,000 patients are killed due to preventable hospital errors every year in the U.S.
• Medical Malpractice payments are disproportionately common in New York State. Between 2004 and 2014, there were 21,359 Medical Malpractice payments issued to patients in New York, more than any other state in the country.
• Between 2009 and 2013 there were roughly 66,000 cases of Medicare patients requiring re-hospitalization due to surgical complications. These re-hospitalizations cost U.S taxpayers $645 million.
A new study, launched by USA Today and the investigative journal ProPublica, explains the risks that patients undertake when they elect to receive certain types of common surgeries. This study, entitled the Surgeon Scorecard, attempted to create a database where patients can research surgeons in their area before electing to undergo an operation. This study provided some interesting data, including the fact that several surgeons in Rockland, Westchester and Putnam counties were the targets of Medical Malpractice lawsuits between 2004 and 2014.
If you or a loved one feels that you may be a victim of medical negligence by a hospital, doctor, surgeon or other medical professional, you may be entitled to compensation.
If you believe you were the victim of medical negligence, it is important that you act fast. Call the experienced New York and New Jersey Medical Malpractice lawyers at Fellows Hymowitz Rice right away at 845-639-9300. When you call, you will receive a FREE, confidential and no-obligation consultation about your case. Our experienced and compassionate New York Medical Malpractice lawyers will help provide the answers you seek.
Don’t delay, victims of Medical Malpractice may only have a limited period of time to file a claim.
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