Medical malpractice is a big problem in the United States, leading to medical complications, disabilities, and even death. A report published in the New England Journal of Medicine states that medical negligence is the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for 100,000 deaths due to misdiagnosis and 195,000 deaths due to preventable errors.

Approximately 17,000 medical malpractice claims are filed each year in the United States, and about 5% of all physicians report to have had a complaint filed against them in the previous year, with doctors over the age of 70 more likely to be sued than their younger counterparts.

Below are the top physician specialties most likely to be sued for medical malpractice:
1. Neurologists
2. Thoracic/Cardiovascular Surgeons
3. General Surgeons
4. Orthopedic Surgeons
5. Plastic Surgeons
6. Gastroenterologists
7. Obstetricians/Gynecologists
8. Urologists
9. Pulmonologists
10. Radiologists
11. Anesthesiologists
12. Internists
13. Oncologists

The most common reasons for medical malpractice claims are:
1. Misdiagnosis
2. Abnormal/Disabling Injury
3. Fatality following preventable error
4. Failure to treat
5. Failure to follow patient Instructions
6. Medication errors
7. Failure to follow safety procedures
8. Failure to obtain proper consent

The most common care setting for medical malpractice claims are:
1. Office-based single practitioners
2. Office-based single specialty practice group
3. Hospitals
4. Academic, Research, military or government institutions
5. Office based multi-specialty group
6. Outpatient clinics

Medical malpractice is a serious issue with devastating consequences. If you or a loved one are a victim of medical malpractice or negligence, contact us today.