New York patients who are about to have medical treatment should have serious concerns about the prevalence of medical errors. Some studies have estimated that approximately 250,000 people die each year around the country because of a medical mistake.
Researchers consider many of the errors preventable. A report on the subject issued by a Massachusetts organization stated that entirely preventable errors, referred to as never events, have been surging. This report presented data from a one-year study about medical errors in cataract surgery, which is generally considered very safe. Mistakes identified included surgery on the wrong eye or wrong patient, anesthesia errors and the insertion of incorrect lenses.
Errors appear to emerge most often from failures within the care delivery system. The Massachusetts researchers cited poor communication among medical staff as a source of problems. A lack of taking time out to review procedures and emphasize safe practices also appears to impact safety. Another study concluded that health care providers need to improve their coordination of patient care and create safety nets for catching errors.
A person who has been harmed by a negligent doctor could have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. As these types of cases have their own set of procedures that must be followed, it is advisable to have the assistance of an attorney who has experience with this type of litigation. The attorney will have to demonstrate that the health care practitioner failed to exhibit the required standard of care, and the evidence presented in this regard will be based upon the patient's medical records as well as the opinion of one or more medical experts.
MANHATTAN LAW OFFICE
122 East 42nd Street Suite 3800
New York, NY 10168
Tel: 212-LAWYERS
Tel: 212-697-9280
QUEENS LAW OFFICE
8900 Sutphin Blvd Suite 501
Queens, NY 11435
Tel: (718) 399-3100
*By Appointment Only