How Common is Medical Malpractice?
Because it is difficult to gather meaningful statistics about medical malpractice, most Americans have no idea how prevalent it is. Even people familiar with the many forms malpractice can take may not be aware of how common it is. However, there have been several studies over the years which help give an indication of how frequently medical malpractice is committed, and how serious the results are. Victims of negligent medical treatment may be entitled to seek financial compensation for their injury.
If you or someone you love has been injured as the result of medical treatment, the Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams can help protect your legal rights. Contact us today by calling 215-238-1130 to discuss your case with an experienced lawyer.
Malpractice Research Studies
Studies have been conducted on a smaller scale to determine the prevalence and severity of medical malpractice. While some are several years old, it is important to understand that there is no reason to suspect that the numbers have decreased over time:
- Harvard researchers conducted a study in 1984 of New York state hospitals and found that about 1% of the sample group of patients experienced injuries as a result of medical treatment. About a quarter of those patients died due to improper medical treatment.
- Studies conducted earlier by the HEW Malpractice Commission and other organizations had similar findings. Across the board, about 1% of patients experienced some form of medical malpractice.
- If these numbers are extrapolated across the American medical landscape, they come to about 250,000 injuries and 80,000 deaths.
Contact Us
If you’ve been injured as a result of medical treatment, it is important that you stand up for your rights. Contact the Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., by calling 215-238-1130.