Oklahoma Medical Malpractice Law Library TOPIC: Medical Malpractice: Harmful Errors, Few Lawsuits

How many patients are harmed by medical errors? It’s hard to say, because nationwide statistics are difficult to collect and analyze. However, based on recent estimates, it seems that it is likely a very large number. A November 2010 study by the Office of the Inspector General showed that about 1 in 7 patients suffer as a result of a medical error. Of these medical errors, nearly half (44%) were preventable.

How many of these injured patients file a lawsuit? The landmark 1990 Harvard Medical Practice Study showed that eight times more patients suffered as a result of a medical injury than filed lawsuits, and only about half of lawsuits resulted in any kind of compensation for victims.

And evidence suggests that the number of medical malpractice cases are falling. A 2011 compilation by the National Center for State Courts showed that in 2008 medical malpractice cases “represented well under 2 percent of all incoming civil cases.” In another 2011 study of cases from across seven states, medical malpractice filings fell by 18% overall, and in five states, the decrease ranged from 18% to 42%.

Despite the prevalence of medical malpractice and the declining number of claims and amount of compensation for victims, people continue to claim that medical malpractice lawsuits are out of control and are mostly “frivolous.”

If you have been the victim of a medical error, you know just how real the harms can be. If you have suffered pain, suffering, disability, and economic harms such as increased medical bills, lost wages, and inability to work, you know your claims are not frivolous.

We know, too, and we will fight for you. Please contact Self & Associates in Oklahoma City today to learn more about your rights after medical malpractice.