Medical malpractice lawsuits are a unique and often enigmatic form of legal proceeding. They are some of the lengthiest and most complex case types, meaning it can be difficult to understand them in and out. Due to the complexities of medical malpractice lawsuits, there is a lot of misinformation and misconceptions out there. However, this piece works to debunk some of the most common medical malpractice myths so you can determine what’s true and what’s false once and for all.
1. Most Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Are a Cash-Grab
Many people have the misperception that medical malpractice lawsuits are nothing more than frivolous cash-grabs in which people are trying to get every cent out of their doctors. The reality, however, is very different. One Harvard study examined over 1,400 closed claims from five different insurance companies and found that more than 90% of these claims involved a severe injury, with over 80 percent resulting in a major disability and 26% resulting in mortality.
2. Most Medical Malpractice Cases Aren’t Preventable
This is completely false. On the contrary, many medical errors that lead to malpractice lawsuits are completely preventable. Surgery errors could often be prevented by more meticulous pre-surgery preparation processes (such as properly accounting for surgical tools). Similarly, medication mistakes could often be prevented by fostering better communication between medical professionals to ensure the correct dosage is administered to the patient.
3. People Aren’t Becoming Doctors Due to Medical Malpractice Lawsuits
If you think that many people are shying away from medical professions for fear of being sued, think again. According to the 2018 Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) Census of Licensed Physicians, the number of licensed physicians in the United States has been steadily on the rise in recent years. Specifically, the number of licensed physicians as of 2010 was 850,085 but rose to 985,026 by 2018. These numbers clearly indicate that people aren’t fleeing from medical professions because they are afraid of medical malpractice lawsuits; rather, more and more people are choosing a career in medicine.
4. Medical Malpractice Settlements Are Always Incredibly High
Maybe you’ve read a newspaper article about a plaintiff receiving millions of dollars in damages in a medical malpractice case. Maybe you’ve watched a movie where this has happened. As a result, you might have the misperception that all medical malpractice lawsuits that end in settlements end in high payouts. However, this isn’t actually true. In fact, the average payout for a medical malpractice claim was less than $300,000 in 2017 and roughly $348,065 in 2018.
Your chances of securing more compensation to cover your medical expenses and emotional damages are higher when you enlist a medical malpractice lawyer. These experts work diligently on your behalf to build your case and secure the justice you deserve.
When it comes to navigating the realm of medical malpractice law, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into. By familiarizing yourself with the common myths and the realities, you’ll be better prepared to handle your case effectively and seek the compensation you need to move on with your life.
