Each year, an estimated 225,000 people die from some form of medical malpractice, from wrong diagnosis to surgical errors to incorrect dosages. In the United States, medical malpractice ranks third among the most common causes of death. Out of all the people who suffer from medical malpractice, a mere 2 percent file claims for compensation.
In a recent study that looked at about 25,000 people who had abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, between 2008 and 2013, researchers found that 4 percent of the people suffered major post-surgery complications, which is higher than the average rate of 1.4 percent for other cosmetic surgery procedures. According to statistics by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in the United States, abdominoplasty is the 6th most common cosmetic surgery.
Two of the most common forms of medical malpractice are misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis; they are also the most damaging. There are reports that suggest that about 40 percent of medical malpractice cases involve misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis.
Medical malpractice involving a child can have a devastating effect on the lives of both the parent and child. Children are vulnerable and more often than not do not understand what is happening with them. While adults can at least vocalize and have the ability to question medical treatment, children simply do not enjoy this luxury. Even in pain children are pacified and made to trust doctors and nurses treating them.
In 2012, the total number of medical malpractice payouts made throughout the United States was 12,142. This means that one claim was brought every 45 minutes.
