Medical malpractice cases can be some of the most complex and emotionally charged legal cases. These cases often arise when healthcare professionals or facilities fail to provide appropriate medical treatment, and the consequences can be severe or even fatal for the patient.
The National Practitioner Data Bank, which collects and releases information on malpractice claims and settlements, reports that there were over 8,000 malpractice payments made in 2020, totaling more than $4.1 billion.
A 2016 paper published by Dr. Marty Makary, a public policy researcher at Johns Hopkins University, Every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) compiles a list of the most common causes of death in the United States. This list serves to inform public awareness and national research priorities. The information is gathered from death certificates which are filled out by physicians, funeral directors, medical examiners, and coroners. Unfortunately, there is a significant limitation to this approach as it relies on assigning an International Classification of Disease (ICD) code to the cause of death. As a result, causes of death not associated with an ICD code are not captured, including those related to human and system factors. The science of safety has progressed to describe how communication breakdowns, diagnostic errors, poor judgment, and inadequate skill can directly result in patient harm and death. The paper included an analysis of scientific literature on medical errors to determine its contribution to US deaths relative to the causes listed by the CDC.
According to the above paper, medical errors could be attributed as the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States.
One particularly alarming aspect of medical malpractice cases is that many go unreported or undetected. In some cases, patients may not even realize that they have been the victim of medical malpractice. This is why it is essential to work with an experienced medical malpractice attorney who can help you navigate the complex legal system and fight for your rights.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, it is important to act quickly to protect your legal rights. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases is two years from the date of the injury, or two years from the date the injury was discovered (or should have been discovered) with reasonable diligence. This means that time is of the essence when it comes to pursuing a medical malpractice claim.
At KaplunMarx Accident and Injury Lawyers, our experienced attorneys have a proven track record of success in handling medical malpractice cases. We understand the devastating impact that medical malpractice can have on patients and their families, and we are committed to fighting for justice on their behalf. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you pursue a medical malpractice claim.
