Medical negligence, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. Every year, the number of medical malpractice lawsuits filed on average now numbers more than 85,000.
In the study conducted by Healthcare Global, an estimated 12,000 people die as a result of having unnecessary surgical procedures, while an additional 7,000 people die as a result of errors in medication.
Such incidents can be reduced and the medical malpractice lawsuits can be avoided by healthcare providers by enacting precautions in several areas.
Unnecessary Surgeries
Reducing the number of complications that occur as the result of unnecessary surgeries or even in routine surgeries where malpractice can occur, there can be contributing factors and underlying factors that can contribute to the incidence of medical malpractice.
One more recent example was endoscopy of Joan Rivers where an unscheduled and unapproved biopsy may have been completed during the surgery.
By the implementation of quality control for surgical procedures, medical malpractice lawsuits can be avoided. Healthcare providers can offer such quality control by ensuring that every patient undergoing a surgical procedure will be visited by an objective third party who will ask a short series of questions after the patient’s procedure.
Such queries of patients regarding their experience can be used to help any forensic investigations or questions by legal authorities, should they arise.
These kinds of inquiries to patient experience can help address patterns of substandard care either by staff or as part of a process at the hospital so that such issues can be addressed before they become an issue that is brought up in court.
Errors in Medication
Having an oversight department to oversee and reduce the number of potential medication errors at a healthcare facility can reduce the incidence of exposure to malpractice. Putting in place an inventory system that keeps track of every medication dose given to patients during their hospital stay can prevent tired overworked staff members from making errors that could cost patient lives.
The commitment and focus on the quality of patient care are the greatest factors that can help hospitals, physicians and other healthcare providers avoid potential medical malpractice lawsuits.
Every patient has the right to quality healthcare being given by their physician or healthcare facility or hospital. Healthcare providers are required to adhere to a set of standards of care and when it comes to matters of behavior and ethics. Most doctors and healthcare providers adhere to these standards. However, those who don’t should be held accountable for their actions.
If you believe that you or a loved one believes they has suffered as a result of medical malpractice or other medical related personal injury, contact the law offices of Bottar Law, PLLC today. We will take the time to carefully evaluate your claim. Call us today in order to schedule a free initial consultation. You may contact us at our toll free number (888) 979-1689, or at (315) 313-6809, or reach us by email at info@bottarlaw.com.