It’s estimated that medical malpractice cases number more than one million annually in the U.S. Roughly 85,000 medical malpractice suits are filed yearly. Eight times more patients are injured than those who file a claim. Sixteen times more patients suffer medical malpractice damages without ever receiving compensation.
When a healthcare worker fails to deliver professionally accountable service to a patient, malpractice may have occurred. Rather than helping the patient to heal, the level of care causes injury. Along with physical devastation, the patient can suffer additional harms:
Death
Almost 98,000 patients die annually in healthcare facilities due to medical malpractice. Death can result from substandard, negligent, improper care or from medication errors.
Pain & Suffering
A medical intervention that doesn’t treat the original condition but instead causes new injuries creates even more pain and suffering for the patient.
Deformity & Disability
Maryland medical malpractice attorneys estimate that improper, careless or substandard care leaves many patients disabled or deformed. They may be unable to work or even take care of themselves.
Financial Difficulties
Medical malpractice can cause unmanageable expenses for the injured patient including longer recovery time and additional professional care. Corrective measures can delay or make impossible a return to work. Insurance may not cover the cost of additional treatment.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Being the victim of medical malpractice can cause deep emotional problems and trust issues. Even if the injury involves something small and temporary, the patient may never again be able to feel safe while receiving healthcare treatment.