Most Common Types of Medical Malpractice Claims
As per a report issued by Journal of the American Medical Association, medical negligence is said to be the third leading cause of untimely deaths in the United States, right behind heart disease and cancer. Additionally, according to the 2016 medical malpractice payout analysis by Diederich Healthcare, malpractice payouts increased for the third year in a row in 2015. Payouts across the US totaled $3.95 million, which is an increase of 1.68% from 2014.
The discovery of harm rule and medical malpractice
Most legal claims are subject to a statute of limitations. These limitations define the amount of time a person has to file a legal claim after the event has taken place. Once the time limit specified in the statute of limitations has passed, an individual may very possibly have their claim dismissed. However, some states have enacted what is known as a “discovery of harm” rule.
Misdiagnosis of Tonsil Cancer and Medical Malpractice
According to a report issued by cancer.net, it was estimated that 48,330 adults – 34,780 men and 13,550 women – would be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer. Rates of these types of cancer are more than double in men as compared to women.
Misdiagnosis of Throat Cancer and Medical Malpractice
Based on 2009 to 2013 cases and fatalities, the number of new larynx cancer cases was 3.2 per 100,000 adults while the number of deaths was 1.1 per 100,000 adults, both men and women.
Hepatitis C Infection and Medical Malpractice
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2014, an estimated 30,500 cases of acute hepatitis C virus infections were reported in the US. There are an estimated 2.7 to 3.9 million people who have chronic hepatitis C across the nation. The CDC also reports that roughly 75% to 85% of those infected with hepatitis C virus stand the chance to develop chronic infection.
Retained Placenta Mismanagement and Errors and Medical Malpractice
According to statistics, out of 9,714 births in the United States, one includes a birth injury. There are about 28,000 birth injuries reported every year in the US.
Sepsis or Septic Shock and Medical Malpractice
Despite the many advances that have been made in modern medicine such as antibiotics, vaccines, and intensive care, sepsis remains the main cause of death in cases involving infection. According to statistics, the number of deaths in the United States caused by sepsis increased from 154,150 in 2000 to 207,427 in 2007.
Misdiagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease and Medical Malpractice
According to statistics, Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects more people in the United States than multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) combined. This disease affects up to 1 million people across the country.
Types of Brain Injury
According to reports issued by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated that 1.7 million people in the United States sustain traumatic brain injury every year.
Does defensive medicine really prevent litigation?
Most people are familiar with the Hippocratic Oath by which all doctors and medical professionals live. But a doctor’s duty to make the best judgments possible and to do no harm is often mired by the looming threat that if they fail to meet these expectations, they could face litigation as a result.