Medical malpractice affects thousands of Americans every year due to hospital negligence or patients suffering from some type of preventable harm due to medical error. NPR referenced a Journal of Patient Safety study that concluded between 210,000 and 440,000 patient deaths occurred as a result of preventable harm in hospitals, making it the third leading cause of death in America.
This number is more than double the 98,000 patients previously reported by the Institute of Medicine. When it comes to hospital safety, patients may be in harm’s way more often than they realize. The American Association for Justice points out more startling statistics that further emphasize a problem the nation continues to face. Its report concludes:
- An estimated 40 wrong-site surgeries occur on a weekly basis;
- Up to 1,500 medical sponges or surgical instruments are left inside patients every year; and
- The same five percent of doctors are responsible for over half of all medical negligence cases.
These statistics prove that the problem is not being properly addressed. The consistent rate of medical error is cause for concern. Patients victim to medical negligence compromise not only their immediate health, but their future quality of life and financial stability. When patients must have corrective procedures or surgeries as a result of medical error, these costs cause undue hardship and health care providers need to be held accountable.
Often these issues are not brought to light until there has been a tragic event and a subsequent lawsuit where a court demands doctor and hospital liability. Our attorneys believe that medical providers must be held responsible at all time when their actions, or lack thereof, cause harm to patients. We want to help our clients voices to be heard.
Medical malpractice claims are complex and require dedicated time and investigation in order to pursue a successful outcome. We have secured millions of dollars for our clients in medical malpractice claims and helped them receive the compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one have been a victim of medical error in Illinois, contact a Chicago medical malpractice attorney with the experience necessary to litigate these types of cases. We have faced and overcome the many challenges set forth by medical malpractice claims and we are here to provide legal counsel for you. Call for a free case evaluation.
