October 25, 2020
Illinois Workers Comp and Covid-19
ILLINOIS WORK COMP UPDATE CONCERNING CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) Effective April 13, 202 …
While many medical professionals are responsible, qualified and diligent, those who are not can end up hurting the people who rely on them for medical help.
When any type of mistake or negligence results in medical malpractice and harm to patients, injured people will have the right to sue the professionals who caused them harm, providing these patients with the opportunity to hold the negligent individuals responsible as they seek financial recovery for their injuries and losses.
Despite the fact that medical malpractice cases can help injured patients reclaim their lives, there has been a lot of misinformation spread about these types of lawsuits. These myths may prevent some people from realizing their options after being victimized by malpractice.
To clear up some of these untruths, below, we will present the facts behind some common medical malpractice myths.
Behind the Curtain of Common Medical Malpractice Myths
Myth #1: There are far more medical malpractice lawsuits than actual instances of malpractice.
Fact: This is flat-out wrong, as the instances of medical malpractice in the U.S. far exceed the case filings for malpractice claims. While this due to the fact that not every victim of medical malpractice understands his rights or seeks legal help to right the wrongs that have been done to him, it also stems from the fact that attorneys are not always willing to take on malpractice cases, as they can be difficult to litigate and resolve (especially when there may be minimal evidence available).
This ultimately means that there are far less malpractice filings than actual incidents of medical malpractice in the U.S.
Myth #2: Most medical malpractice cases are frivolous and are related to minor injuries.
Fact: This is also just plain wrong. Although there are frivolous cases out there – and although these cases tend to get a lot of media attention, the truth is that about 97 percent of medical malpractice lawsuits are merit based, according to researchers at Harvard. In fact, these researchers, who analyzed records for more than 1,400 medical malpractice cases, have noted that “portraits of a malpractice system that is stricken with frivolous litigation are overblown.”
This same study found that at least 80 percent of medical malpractice cases are related to allegations that medical negligence resulted in severe injuries or deaths.
Myth #3: Medical malpractice cases are only filed by ambulance chasers looking for easy money.
Fact: Wrong again. This myth is often propagated by insurance companies and others who end up footing the bill when doctors make mistakes and medical malpractice cases lead to payouts for the injured patients who deserve them.
The fact of the matter is that studies have found that the vast majority of medical malpractice claims are not taken up by attorneys, with the findings being that between 80 and 97 percent of these claims are rejected by lawyers.
This ends up meaning that the cases that do make it to court are those related to the most egregious cases of malpractice and that the lawyers who agree to pursue them do after careful consideration.
What do you think about these facts about medical malpractice cases? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook & Google+.
Contact the Mount Vernon Medical Malpractice Lawyers at the Law Firm of Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C.
Have you or a loved one been hurt by the mistakes or carelessness of a medical professional? If so, the experienced and trusted Mount Vernon medical malpractice lawyers at the Law Firm of Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C. are ready to stand up for your rights.
To learn more about your best legal options and how we can help you, contact us by calling (888) 896-9381 or by emailing us using the form at the upper right-hand side of the page. We can provide you with a free, thorough assessment of your case, along with professional advice regarding the best manner in which to move forward.
