In 2012, the total number of medical malpractice payouts made throughout the United States was 12,142. This means that one claim was brought every 45 minutes.
Medical malpractice involving a child can have a devastating effect on the lives of both the parent and child. Children are vulnerable and more often than not do not understand what is happening with them. While adults can at least vocalize and have the ability to question medical treatment, children simply do not enjoy this luxury. Even in pain children are pacified and made to trust doctors and nurses treating them.
Two of the most common forms of medical malpractice are misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis; they are also the most damaging. There are reports that suggest that about 40 percent of medical malpractice cases involve misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis.
In a recent study that looked at about 25,000 people who had abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, between 2008 and 2013, researchers found that 4 percent of the people suffered major post-surgery complications, which is higher than the average rate of 1.4 percent for other cosmetic surgery procedures. According to statistics by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in the United States, abdominoplasty is the 6th most common cosmetic surgery.
Each year, an estimated 225,000 people die from some form of medical malpractice, from wrong diagnosis to surgical errors to incorrect dosages. In the United States, medical malpractice ranks third among the most common causes of death. Out of all the people who suffer from medical malpractice, a mere 2 percent file claims for compensation.
Statistics show that in the United States, approximately 27 of every 1,000 births results in a birth injury. A study on childbirth and medical malpractice reported that the main causes of injury during childbirth are lack of oxygen in 59.8 percent of cases, bowel movement in utero in 26.0 percent, baby too large for vaginal canal in 20.5 percent, entangled umbilical in 14.2 percent as well as many other possible causes.
New York women who suffer from anxiety may be interested to learn that they may be more likely to have a reduced blood flow to the heart during exercise. A study found that those who have an anxiety disorder often have a reduced amount of blood traveling to their heart, which can be an indication of heart-associated diseases.
Cancer patients in New York might be surprised to learn that, since 1970, a doctor has been treating patients with antineoplastons, for which there is insufficient evidence to prove that they work. Despite being backed by actress Suzanne Somers and famous surgeon Dr. Oz, the Texas Medical Board has investigated the doctor, and he could lose his license for medical misconduct.
According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, there are certain types of dental procedures that require more intensive surgeries or complicated processes in which malpractice is more common. Consequently, dentists may be more prone to make errors when administering or performing these treatments when compared to other, more simple procedures.
When it comes to injuries caused by medical malpractice during emergency medical care, there are special rules that apply. “First responders” are protected by state laws from most lawsuits. And although there are no such protections for doctors and nurses in the emergency room, the very nature of emergencies lowers the professional expectation to avoid medical mistakes.
