Are Patients Aware When Medical Malpractice Occurs?

Medical mistakes are responsible for an estimated 250,000 to 440,000 deaths in the US each year. Some medical mistakes are caused by medical malpractice. However, patients and their families are not always aware of this fact.

Physicians and hospitals may not admit to mistakes that harm patients. According to a survey conducted by Medscape, 7 percent of physicians say it is acceptable to cover up medical errors. Another 14 percent say that it depends on the circumstances. More than 70 percent of physicians who participated in a survey published in British Medical Journal Quality & Safety said they would provide limited information to patients after making medical mistakes.

The colleagues of physicians who make mistakes may also remain silent. A paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine found multiple reasons why physicians do not report mistakes. According to the report, physicians are afraid they will lose referrals if they report errors made by their colleagues. In addition, physicians who contributed to the report said they did not want to become entangled in medical malpractice lawsuits.

Hospitals may also cover up mistakes. Doctors may want to apologize or admit an error, but they could be stopped by hospital administrators.

Medicine has grappled with a culture of secrecy for many years. Patients who are harmed by medical errors or their family members may be unaware of what happened. As a result, they may not realize they have legal options to recover compensation.

Questions About Medical Mistakes? Contact Our Washington DC Medical Malpractice Lawyers

You should speak with one of our medical malpractice attorneys if you suspect a medical error caused you or a loved one harm. Medical mistakes can result in significant financial and emotional costs. A medical malpractice lawsuit can result in a verdict or settlement that helps pay for the costs caused by a medical mistake.

The Washington DC medical malpractice attorneys at Regan Zambri Long PLLC could investigate your situation at no cost. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. You do not owe us anything unless we successfully recover compensation.