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For various reasons there are several misconceptions surrounding medical malpractice attorneys and why we choose to practice it. To demonstrate the importance of it, we point to a private foundation called The Commonwealth Fund. Their mission “is to promote a high-performing, equitable health care system that achieves better access, improved quality, and greater efficiency, particularly for society’s most vulnerable…” They were established in 1918 and have existed since. In 2017 they published a paper that concluded that the United States spends more than other high-income countries. Conversely, our country’s health care system ranked last on overall performance. 

Johns Hopkins patient safety experts determined that more than 250,000 people die yearly because of medical errors. They argued that medical error was the third leading cause of death in our country, behind cancer and heart disease. If you look that statistic up, you will see a wide range of numbers associated with how many deaths are caused by malpractice. Why is that the case? And why are medical errors not included on most lists that summarize causes of death?  Because the CDC collects data based on death certificates, and the Johns Hopkins study argues that medical errors aren’t separately identified on them. According to the study, the medical codes used in hospitals do not lend themselves to generating an accurate picture of health care statistics.  

What Medical Malpractice is Not

The majority of medical malpractice stems from poor clinical judgment. That, too, can be misinterpreted. For instance, doctors are pressed to make life-altering decisions, and the law allows them to use their judgment when diagnosing and recommending a course of treatment. Is it malpractice if a medical doctor exercises judgment and gives a patient the wrong diagnosis? Some people may be quick to say that it is, but there needs to be more information there to know. 

Making a mistake or having an error in judgment in and of itself does not become malpractice. However, there would be a much stronger argument that the mistake could lead to a medical malpractice claim if it resulted from negligence. The real question becomes whether the doctor upheld the standard of care that the patient expects and deserves. In other words, the reason the error occurred is paramount. 

Contact Successful Medical Malpractice Attorneys 

People can suffer needlessly when the standard of care is not met, and we are here to represent those victims. We have recovered over $1 billion for our personal injury clients and are just as committed to helping you. Schedule your free consultation by contacting us today.