Medical Malpractice: The Medical Community’s Resistance to Change

Posted on June 30, 2014 by Shapiro Law Group

People say that change and necessity are the mothers of invention. From a medical malpractice standpoint, change has long been needed in the medical community. Still, the medical community seems as resistant as ever to implementing innovative safety measures. In today’s blog we explore some startling medical malpractice statistics and discuss why the field of medical malpractice is an unfortunate necessity for many patients.

What Are Some Medical Malpractice Statistics?

The Joint Commission (TJC) is a nonprofit organization that accredits more than 20,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States.

Only 33 percent of the 3,300 Joint Commission-accredited hospitals have achieved the organization’s “top performer” rating.
There are nearly 2,400 hospitals in the U.S. that are not even accredited by the Joint Commission.
Each year, around 98,000 people die in hospitals because of avoidable errors.
Each year, around 300,000 people are injured in hospitals because of avoidable errors.

Formal complaints, even by formidable figures in the medical community, often have little impact on promoting change. One has to look no further than one of America’s foremost medical associations to see that the medical community is resistant to change that will help save lives and lessen claims. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) has recently refused to adopt a series of changes that were tested and put into place by New York Presbyterian Hospital (NYPH). In 2003, NYPH paid out more than $50 million in claims. By 2009, after the policies changed were implemented, NYPH only paid out $250,000.

Around 31 percent of medical malpractice claims allege death as the injury.
Florida generally ranks in the top 5 states for medical malpractice payouts.
There is so much medical malpractice that there is a payout around every 43 minutes.

Do You Think That You Have Been the Victim of Medical Malpractice?

Unfortunately, until hospitals and medical associations take it upon themselves to implement changes, medical malpractice suits are the only remedies that our system of civil justice knows how to provide. If you feel that you may have been exposed to medical malpractice, or just want to see your options, contact a seasoned medical malpractice attorney near you.

Shapiro Law Group – Medical malpractice Attorneys Serving the Tampa Bay Area

Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/stevecohen/2014/06/18/malpractice-lawsuits-arent-just-about-money/

What Our Clients Say

“My dad lost his fingers on one hand due to malpractice after a successful surgery that did not involve fingers. For months we were told it was because of debris in his blood. It was not. Mr. Shapiro and his associates were relentless in getting the medical records until the "missing" page was sent. Then they had the hard and arduous job of finding a doctor willing to testify. An informative video and audio with the doctor's testimony was presented. Case closed. Because of their due diligence, a satisfactory settlement was reached. Mr. Shapiro's law firm worked hard, were extremely thorough, professional, and kept in constant communication throughout the whole stressful ordeal. Mr. Shapiro still remembers my parents and keeps in touch with my mom, even after 15 years have passed. That alone is impressive.”

Patti A.

“The Shapiro Law Group represented our daughter, family, and reputation in winning our daughters case that was due to a catastrophic injury. We interviewed many lawyers and felt Mr. Shapiro would ultimately do what was best for our family. Being involved in a lawsuit is very difficult, emotional, and exhausting. If it weren’t for the Shapiro Law Group fighting for our daughter and family, I don’t know where we would be now. They are very thorough, knowledgeable, and know what needs to be done. Lawsuits can take a very long time, and we knew that Shapiro Law Group would not give up. They did whatever was necessary to help our daughter. We can’t thank Mr. Shapiro enough for all he has done for so many! During a very difficult situation in our lives, the Shapiro Law Group went above and beyond in guiding our family in helping our daughter. We would highly recommend this firm. Thank you,”

Stephanie P.

“Attorney Richard Shapiro was able to provide me with very knowledgeable and competent legal expertise to resolve my case.”

D. Harrison