Have you experienced injuries because of a healthcare provider’s lack of care? Have you ever had a surgery performed that only led to worse injuries
Interestingly, according to National Public Radio, a study of 236 patients who completed ProPublica’s Patient Harm Questionnaire during the one-year period ending in May 2013 showed that most did not receive an acknowledgement from health care providers when it comes to injuries, infections or mistakes during medical care.
The results of the study were published recently in the Journal of Patient Safety. According to NPR, among the study’s findings were:
- Only 9 percent of patients had instances of harm disclosed to them
- When officials did disclose harm, it was often because they were forced to under pressure
- Only 11 percent of patients reported getting an apology
- More than 30 percent of patients reported getting bills relating to the harm, at an average cost of $14,024
According to NPR, researchers said, “[c]linicians may see the need to be more open with patients but lack the “moral courage” to do it.”
How Can I Speak to an Attorney about Medical Malpractice?
If your doctor or healthcare provider makes mistakes and you suffer harm, you may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. Money obtained through a lawsuit can help you pay for therapy or rehabilitation. Additionally, you may be able to seek damages for pain and suffering.
Examples of medical malpractice can include:
- Failure to diagnose disease
- Failure to treat a patient in a timely fashion
- Misdiagnosis
- Medication and prescription drug errors
- Surgical errors
- Birth injuries
You should not have to suffer because of a medical care provider’s negligence. Hold it liable. Keep in mind, your lawsuit could spur safety measures that could be beneficial to other patients.
McBride, Scicchitano & Leacox, P.A. – Injury Attorneys