According to research, medical errors rank number three in regard to the leading causes of death in the United States. These errors come in behind cancer and heart disease, and cause approximately 250,000 deaths annually according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). There are other studies that show this figure to be much higher, as much as 440,00.
These incidents many times lead to malpractice suits in Florida.
“People don’t just die from heart attacks and bacteria, they die from system-wide failings and poorly coordinated care,” said the study’s lead author, Dr. Martin Makary, a professor of surgery and health policy at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “It’s medical care gone awry.”
Despite all the attempts to reform our health care system in an effort to provide safe health care, medical errors, and medical malpractice account for approximately 10 percent of deaths in the U.S. And the Johns Hopkins researchers say this figure is probably an undercount. That’s because the CDC doesn’t take into account the deaths that occur in such places considered non-hospital settings such as outpatient clinics, nursing homes, or even homes where caregivers provide care for fragile patients.
In a report by Dr. Makary and Dr. Michael Daniel of Johns Hopkins medical errors were defined as lapses in lapses in judgment, skill or coordination of care; mistaken diagnoses; system failures that lead to patient deaths or the failure to rescue dying patients, as well as preventable complications of care. Not all medical errors are not due to bad doctors; some can be from lack of proper training, bad coordination, problems with the system or management. Any of a number of factors can result in the wrong diagnosis, the wrong treatment, or worse.
“It boils down to people dying from the care that they receive rather than the disease for which they are seeking care,” Makary said.
In most cases, if you have a loved one die due to this type of issue, you need to file a medical malpractice claim using the best medical malpractice lawyer you can find.
However, with such shocking statistics, and the fact that this number keeps going up, it makes it imperative for you to take steps yourself to prevent these issues from occurring.
With such shocking statistics, and the fact that this number keeps going up, it makes it imperative to take steps yourself to prevent these issues from occurring.
Prevent Medical Malpractice by Creating a Proactive Medical Summary
You never know when you are going to need medical treatment. Also, there may be situations where you are unable to communicate with your doctor and let them know pertinent medical information about yourself. To prevent issues that may cause you to need to file a medical malpractice claim, it is a good idea to create a proactive medical summary of any and all health conditions you suffer from. This includes your allergies, medications you actively take and what physicians you use. Make sure your family knows where this is in case an emergency situations arises.
Try to Avoid Hospitalizations (if Possible)
This is extremely important – especially for the elderly. The fact is, infections run rampant in any hospital setting, regardless of how clean it may be. In fact, according to information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on any given day, one in every 25 hospital patients acquire some type of infection.
Organize Shifts with Relatives
It is a good idea to make sure you are never alone. Even if it is a loved one in the hospital, this same rule of thumb is true. You need to have someone with you to ask questions and communicate with the doctors and other staff. This is the best way to know what is going on at all times and prevent serious issues.
Speak Up!
If you believe that something isn’t right, you should say something. The fact is, humans make mistakes, which means you have to be aware. If you want to prevent the need to file a medical malpractice claim, then make sure you know what is going on. If you are unsure about something, make sure to ask.
When dealing with any type of medical malpractice issue, it is always a good idea to hire an attorney in Florida. They can review the facts of your case to ensure you get the settlement you deserve. Learn more about receiving a settlement from a medical malpractice claim by contacting the attorneys at the Badgley Law Group by calling 407-781-0420.
Additional Reading
Understanding Wrong-Site Surgery and Why it Still Happens
How to Know Whether it’s Medical Malpractice or Just a Mistake