A recent New England Journal of Medicine study found that 75% of doctors who practice psychiatry, pediatrics, or family medicine will be sued for medical malpractice at some point during their careers. As for neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and obstetricians, virtually all of them will be sued before they finish practicing medicine, according to the study.

It is estimated that about 195,000 Americans die every year due to preventable medical errors. In fact, medical errors have consistently been ranked among the top ten leading causes of death in the United States. Common mistakes leading to severe, catastrophic injury and death include unnecessary surgery, medication errors, negative effects of drugs, hospitals infections, and other surgical and/or hospital errors.

Physicians Urged to Remain Silent Regarding Errors

Many insurers advise physicians that they should not talk to patients when they make an error, fearing that an admission of fault will later be used against them in court. Instead of doctors disclosing their mistakes, apologizing , and compensating injured patients fairly, they often fail to communicate with the injured party at all regarding surgical or other complications. This, of course, is not at all in the best interest of the patient and in clear violation of the oath a doctor takes to always do what is best for his or her patients.

Patients should not be the ones responsible for mistakes made by medical professionals — especially when it comes to mistakes that were entirely preventable. In addition to increased medical expenses, many of these patients are left with injuries that will affect them for the rest of their lives. Victims and their families should not have to bear the burden of someone else’s mistake. They should have the right to recover for any damages caused by their injuries due to medical malpractice.

Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Philadelphia and New Jersey

The Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling cases involving injuries resulting from medical errors. Our extremely skilled team of medical malpractice lawyers and medical experts is dedicated to ensuring that clients receive proper compensation for their personal injuries.

If you or a loved one have suffered personal injuries as a result of a medical error or any other type of negligent care received by a medical provider, contact the medical malpractice lawyers of Messa & Associates for a free consultation. Call, toll free, at 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry.