Several years ago, a prominent study reported that medical malpractice is responsible for over 250,000 deaths per year in the United States. This makes medical malpractice the third leading cause of death in our country. A new, 2019 study reported by United Press International found that medical malpractice misdiagnosis, alone, causes approximately 100,000 deaths or serious injuries every year. To be clear, this is in addition to the 250,000 annual deaths previously mentioned.
The three most common forms of misdiagnosis are: cancer, strokes and other vascular events, and infections. The study found that over 70% of those medical malpractice misdiagnosis incidents occurred in the emergency department or an outpatient clinic. It is important to note that this study does not even consider the minor injuries that result from misdiagnoses. The 100,000 victims suffered injuries or death.
What makes a misdiagnosis so troubling is that the patient then lives with a serious, life-threatening medical condition for months or years. Since he or she does not have a proper diagnosis, the patient cannot get the appropriate, life-saving treatment. In other words, misdiagnoses rob patients of the chance to treat their illness.
If your loved one has died or if you have suffered a catastrophic injury due to a medical misdiagnosis, contact us today to see if we can help. You can also call us at 602-224-0005.
