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In the vast landscape of the United States healthcare system, there is a concerning yet unspoken reality that affects many. Medical malpractice, an egregious betrayal of trust between patient and provider, is far more common than we would like to believe. These shocking medical malpractice statistics in the USA are not intended to frighten but to inform—shedding light on the issue keeps the public aware and prepared.
Lawsuits Filed
Each year in the United States, patients file an average of 20,000 medical malpractice lawsuits. This figure starkly contrasts with the hundreds of thousands of instances of malpractice that likely occur but remain unreported. The magnitude of these numbers underlines the prevalence of malpractice and the urgent need to address the issue.
If you are one of the many patients who experiences an ordeal like this, talk to Rossman Law Group’s medical malpractice lawyers in Boise, Idaho, to determine the strength of your case.
Deaths Due to Medical Error
Medical malpractice is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths here in the States. In 2022, researchers at Johns Hopkins University placed medical error as the third leading cause of death overall, following cancer and heart disease.
There are approximately 250,000 deaths attributed to medical error every year. From delayed diagnoses to surgical error, mistakes and negligence can be deadly.
Who Gets Sued
The US Bureau of Justice Statistics revealed a concerning trend among healthcare professionals. Their data indicates that 50 percent of malpractice suits are filed against surgeons. This number highlights the risks associated with surgical procedures and the need for ongoing training, oversight, and accountability within the surgical field.
Medical malpractice is not just a problem within our healthcare system; it’s a societal issue with far-reaching implications. These shocking statistics regarding medical malpractice in the USA can undermine our trust in the medical profession.
However, these numbers are not an indictment of all healthcare professionals. Rather, they highlight the need for systemic changes and greater accountability for errors that harm patients.
