Medical Errors In Medical Malpractice Claims – What You Need To Know
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 39 million people visit the emergency room each year due to injury-related visits. Although the United States has an advanced medical system allowing millions of Americans to receive adequate medical care, there is still an alarming number of patients who fall victim to medical errors that are sometimes fatal. Although these errors arise, many are often preventable.
Prevalence Of Medical Errors
A recent study conducted by John Hopkins reports that more than 250,000 people in the U.S die each year from medical errors. In fact, medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States, which is 10% of all deaths annually. The 2016 U.S. patient-care study explored death-rate data for eight consecutive years. The data showed that based on a total of 35,416,020 hospitalizations, there was an incidence rate of 251,454 deaths per year — or about 10 percent of all deaths — that stemmed from medical error.
Medical Errors – Why Do They Occur
Medical errors occur for a variety of reasons. Study authors list of reasons such as inadequately skilled staff, error in judgment or care, system defects or preventable adverse effects. These types of errors include computer breakdowns, undiagnosed surgical complications, and mix-ups with doses or medications administered to patients.
The recent study on fatal medical errors shows the importance and severity of the issue. Many organizations and institutions are working together to advocate for better training and improved technology to increase patient safety and help both health care providers and patients to have a better understanding of just how serious and important this issue is.
Contact The Olson Law Firm, LLC, Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation
Attorney Erik Olson fights for victims of medical malpractice across Georgia and strongly believes in obtaining justice for the families who have suffered because of substandard care by doctors, nurses and hospitals. Whether a health care provider caused you to suffer a serious illness, a disability, the loss of a loved one or the need for additional surgeries, we can help you.
If you would like to schedule a free consultation to speak with an Atlanta Medical Malpractice lawyer about your situation, contact The Olson Law Firm today by calling 404-448-2806.