More Than 1 in 10 Patients are Harmed by Medical Mistakes
Posted in Medical Malpractice on July 6, 2020
The Study
In July 2019, the University of Manchester’s Dr. Maria Panagioti published an alarming study. It revealed that more than 10 percent of patients are harmed during their medical care. Half of those injuries are preventable. Even worse, 12 percent of the preventable errors led to permanent disability or death.
The findings came one year after a troubling report from Johns Hopkins University. According to lead author Dr. Martin Makary, over 250,000 people in the U.S. die each year from medical errors. What’s more, medical errors are the third leading cause of death in America, trailing only heart disease and cancer.
Types of Medical Errors
- Unnecessary and/or invasive procedures
- Inaccurate or missed diagnoses
- Medication-related errors
- Clerical/administrative mistakes
If you have been injured by a medical mistake, contact the Ohio medical malpractice lawyers at Elk & Elk.
Medical malpractice is the third leading cause of death in the U.S.
Reducing and Preventing Medical Errors
According to experts, there is no magic solution to reduce medical mistakes. However, a number of methods can be employed. These include:
- Patient and staff engagement
- Consistent focus from management
- Effective communication
- Technology
- Patient advocacy
While easier said than done, it’s important that patients aren’t intimidated by doctors or other medical staff. Patients should ask questions if they don’t understand something. They can also create a checklist that keeps tracks of basics like whether or not medical staff washed their hands.
Why Hire Elk & Elk for Your Medical Error Case?
Our law firm is defined by experience, resources and results. We’ve been in business for over 50 years and have significant resources to win your case — a network of nationally known experts, in-house nurses and a no-fee promise, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Our results include a $10 million verdict in a paralysis case and a $9.88 million verdict for a birth injury claim.
Contact us for a Free Consultation
Our medical malpractice attorneys are dedicated to providing victims with superior legal care. Call 1-800-ELK-OHIO or visit us online.