NYC Malpractice Claims Drop 28 Percent Over Past Decade
According to a recent report released by the New York Comptroller Office, the city has seen a 28 percent reduction in medical malpractice claims against NYC public hospitals over the past decade. In 2011, Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) settled 249 malpractice lawsuits at an average cost of $487,000 per claim. The biggest payout for that year was an $8 million settlement with a patient who was rendered a quadriplegic after her doctor allegedly failed to treat a routine infection.
Of HHC’s 11 facilities, North Central Bronx, Bellevue, Queens and Woodhull witnessed an increase in medical malpractice cases, while Metropolitan in Manhattan had the fewest. HHC President, Alan Aviles commented, “We say from housekeepers to trauma surgeons, it is everybody’s responsibility to be vigilant around the risks that are presented to patients in the complex hospital environment.”
Victims of medical mistakes have legal recourse
While this is promising news, according to The Institute of Medicine (IOM), as many as 98,000 Americans die every year as a result of hospital negligence and doctor error – at a cost of $29 billion. Even more alarming, The Institute for Healthcare Improvement estimates that there are nearly 15 million incidents of medical harm every year. While health care professionals dedicate their lives to helping those who are sick or injured, even the most well-meaning physicians and surgeons can make mistakes. The sad reality is that doctor negligence often results in severe injuries and fatalities. Patients harmed because of a physician’s mistakes or by the negligence of any health care professional are entitled to recover compensation for damages, and are encouraged to speak with a medical malpractice lawyer NY.
Hospital negligence claims thousands of lives each year
A medical malpractice lawyer NY may help victims of hospital or doctor negligence recover damages if they were subject to any of the following:
- Anesthesia mistakes
- Obstetrical malpractice that leads to birth injuries
- Surgical errors
- Emergency room errors
- Failure to diagnose and misdiagnosis
- Delay in diagnosing a medical condition
- Delayed surgery that results in harm
- Improper treatment of an illness or disease
- Medication or prescription errors
- Improper consent prior to surgery or medical procedure
- Nursing home abuse
- Pharmacy malpractice
Medical malpractice claims involving surgical negligence or other types of errors may be challenging to prove. It takes a law firm with an extensive knowledge of the medical field, access to health care experts and vast financial resources to build a strong case. The Sanders Firm offers more than 45 years of combined experience aggressively fighting malpractice insurance lawyers – recovering numerous multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients. Our legal team has the skills and expertise necessary to try difficult, complex medical malpractice lawsuits – and secure the compensation you need and deserve.
Consult a medical malpractice lawyer NY
If you or someone you care about has been injured by hospital negligence or from the mistakes of a health care provider, then you need a medical malpractice lawyer who is well-versed in the profession. The Sanders Firm has been serving the residents of Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Long Island for more than four decades and we’re ready to seek justice on your behalf. Please call our offices today for a free consultation. Our attorneys will evaluate your malpractice case and explain your best options for pursuing monetary damages. Call toll-free at 1.800 FAIR PLAY (800.324.7752). Resources
- City Hospitals Turn Corner on Medical Malpractice Suits, http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2012/dec/28/city-hospitals-turn-corner-med-mal/
- Hospital Settles $12 Million Negligence Lawsuit. http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/health/advocate-south-suburban-cavanaugh-malpractice-160916015.html
