MEDICAL MALPRACTICE IS STILL A SERIOUS ISSUE

Exit polls conducted by several major news outlets following the recent November 6th election revealed that 40 percent of respondents stated the issue in our nation most important to them was health care. For some in Connecticut, this may be because medical mistakes are occurring at an alarming rate. In fact, medical mistakes are the third most common cause of death in the United States. One 2016 study found that over 250,000 people annually are killed due to a preventable medical mistake.

Even medical professionals are recognizing that medical malpractice is a serious issue in our nation. One study published in the journal Health Affairs, revealed that 35 percent of nurses saw their workplaces as unfavorable with regards to the safety of patients. One significant issue with regards to medical errors is diagnostic mistakes. According to researchers, as many as 12 million people annually are subjected to a diagnostic mistake, and one-third of these individuals will suffer serious harm due to the mistake.

Medical professionals may be reluctant to admit when they made a mistake, especially if they feel it will subject them to legal action. However, it is extremely important to hold negligent medical professionals accountable for their actions. Victims of medical malpractice can suffer a worsened condition that could lead to extensive medical and rehabilitation expenses, pain and suffering, emotional trauma and more. Thus, they should be able to pursue a lawsuit, if appropriate, to seek compensation for the damages they suffered.

Medical errors can affect victims for years to come, if not for the rest of their lives. They can have a significant impact on a person’s physical, emotional and financial well-being. While steps are being taken to address medical mistakes, medical malpractice is still a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Until then, those who are the victims of medical malpractice may want to seek legal guidance, so they can determine what steps are necessary to make them whole again.