There is a common idiom that relates to things that you can expect to happen in every life: death and taxes. While this is true, it also seems like a third idea needs to be added to this saying: death, taxes, and an article every year that discusses the incredible prevalence of medical errors.
Another year has passed, and there is yet more information coming out about how medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States. It seems like a variation of this article comes out every year, but that doesn’t make it incorrect. To the contrary, we are lamenting the fact that this statistic seems anchored to the number three spot of the list of leading causes of death in the U.S.
The new report indicates that some 250,000 deaths occur every year because of medical errors. Many of these mistakes could be prevented, but the fact of the matter is that mistakes are mistakes for a reason: they happen without warning and, often, without cause. Medical professionals are only human, after all.
Medical errors are a serious problem, and the people who are affected by them are innocent people who just want a fix for their current medical situation. If you are affected by a medical error or negligence on the part of a doctor, surgeon or medical facility, then you should consult with an attorney to discuss the possibility of a medical malpractice lawsuit. The compensation that could be garnered from such a lawsuit could help you with your medical bills and rehabilitation.
Source: Knowridge, “Medical errors could cause 250,000 U.S. deaths a year, study shows,” Feb. 16, 2017
