Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys report the results of a new study estimates that the number of hospital deaths as a result of preventable mistakes have increased. The Journal of Patient Safety published a study that puts preventable errors third on the list of causes of death in America, behind only heart disease and cancer. According to researchers, between 210,000 and 440,000 hospital patients each year suffer from some type of preventable mistake that contributes to their death.

Patient safety experts say that no one knows the actual number of deaths as a result of preventable mistakes. However, they agree that the new estimate, developed by John T. James, came as a result of credible methods and findings. James is a toxicologist at NASA’s space center in Houston and leads the advocacy organization, Patient Safety America. He says that preventable hospital errors that contribute to a lack of patient safety and patient deaths is an issue that requires immediate public attention. James wrote that it may be “time for a national patient bill of rights for hospitalized patients,” in his study.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys Concerned About Increasing Number of Preventable Hospital Mistakes

Preventable hospital mistakes, such as wrong-site surgeries, misdiagnosis, failure to diagnose and medication errors have been an ongoing concern in considering patient safety in hospitals. Patient safety experts recommend that medical professionals become more focused on increasing safety. Additionally, patients and their families should ask questions and remained engaged throughout the treatment process. With all parties working together, it is more likely that mistakes will be caught before the patient suffers a devastating illness or injury.

Ultimately, physicians and other medical professionals must be held responsible for their mistakes—specifically when the error was preventable. Often patients are left with additional injuries that will have a lifelong effect as well as increased medical expenses when mistakes are made by hospital staff. No victim of a hospital mistake should have to bear those extra burdens and they should have the right to recover for any damages caused by their injuries due to medical malpractice.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Philadelphia and New Jersey

The Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling medical malpractice cases as involving patient safety issues and preventable hospital mistakes resulting in serious injury or death. Our extremely skilled team of medical malpractice attorneys and medical experts is dedicated to ensuring you receive proper compensation for your personal injuries. If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, contact the medical malpractice attorneys of Messa & Associates for a free consultation. Call toll free at 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry.