How Big is the Problem of Medical Negligence in the U.S.?

Medical error is a leading cause of injury and death in the U.S. More than $3 billion was paid out for medical malpractice claims in 2021, according to the Diederich Healthcare Medical Malpractice Payout Analysis. Researchers found that an estimated 795,000 people die or become permanently impaired due to dangerous disease diagnosis every year in a BMJ Quality & Safety study. Findings showed an annual incidence in the U.S. of the following from diagnostic errors alone:

  • 6 million vascular events
  • 6.2 million infections
  • 1.5 million cancers

How Does Medical Negligence Occur?

Medical negligence is often called medical malpractice. It involves the failure of a healthcare provider to meet the accepted standard of care for that profession. The following are common types of medical errors made by healthcare professionals:

Birth Injuries

Medical errors in prenatal care or childbirth can cause serious injury to the mother and child. Medical mistakes that cause birth injuries include failure to spot fetal distress, delayed delivery, improper use of vacuums or forceps, and using too much force during delivery. 

Anesthesia Errors

Mistakes in administering anesthesia during surgery can cause severe health complications or death. Common anesthesia errors include administering the wrong anesthetic, too high or low a dosage, and failing to monitor vital signs or side effects. 

Medication Errors

Prescribing or dispensing the wrong medication or dosage is one of the most common medical errors. According to the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP), medication errors harm at least 1.5 million people and cost at least $3.5 billion a year.

Diagnostic Errors

When physicians fail to diagnose, misdiagnose, or delay diagnosing a medical condition, it can cause serious harm to the patient. In hospital settings, diagnostic errors cause 6% to 17% of adverse events, as stated in an analysis published in the National Library of Medicine.

Surgical Errors

Doctors sometimes make mistakes during surgery. Possible surgical errors include performing a procedure on the wrong patient, operating on the wrong site, leaving foreign objects inside the patient’s body, and causing nerve damage, hemorrhage, or excessive bleeding. 

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What Compensation is Recoverable for Medical Negligence?

If you or your loved one has been a victim of medical negligence, contact a medical negligence attorney in Little Rock to help you seek compensation from responsible parties. Your damages will depend on the nature and extent of the injuries and the unique circumstances of your case. Common damages in Arkansas medical malpractice claims include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and pain and suffering. In cases of gross negligence or malice, punitive damages, designed to punish the defendant for wrongdoing, may also be awarded.

Why Choose Us to Represent You in a Medical Malpractice Claim?

McMath Woods is a prestigious law firm with a 70-year history of successfully representing injury victims. We are actual trial lawyers—not a settlement mill. Because we limit the number of cases on our docket, we can work closely with each client and provide personalized service. Our firm is known for delivering outstanding client care and results. Contact us for a free consultation. Our medical malpractice attorney in Little Rock can tell you if you have a medical negligence case and what damages you may be entitled to claim. 

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