Insurance companies often portray attorneys and those who file negligence claims in a negative light, suggesting that these cases put the medical profession at risk. However, that is not the case. If you suffer a serious injury because of a preventable medical error, an experienced Brooklyn personal injury attorney can help you hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
The American Association for Justice (AAJ) released a February 2011 report that presented some startling facts about preventable medical errors.
- Based on an Institute of Medicine report, preventable medical errors kill an estimated 98,000 Americans annually and injure many more.
- Preventable medical errors are the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
- Few injured patients file negligence claims.
- Research shows that patients who pursue legal action are often more concerned about accountability than monetary recovery.
- Close to 50% of the country’s doctors admit they do not report incompetence or medical errors.
- Hospitals that fully disclose medical errors to patients reduce the number of legal claims and associated costs.
- Hospitals can save billions of dollars by preventing medical errors.
Despite claims by insurance companies that negligence lawsuits drive up costs and increase insurance premiums for healthcare providers, research shows that claim statistics have not caused premium increases because claims have remained within consistent statistical ranges. Additionally, while insurance companies have argued that placing caps on recoverable damages lowers insurance premiums, studies have shown that these caps have not reduced insurance costs for hospitals or healthcare providers.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury because of a preventable medical error, discuss your potential claim with experienced Brooklyn personal injury attorneys.
Goldberg Sager & Associates works diligently to hold doctors and hospitals accountable for preventable errors.
