It is difficult to come up with an accurate accounting of who died from preventable medical mistakes in U.S. hospitals. The issue with coming up with an accurate number is caused by a few different problems. For example, many mistakes may never be reported, and the true cause of death may never be known. Additionally, studies that attempt to account for preventable hospital deaths may use different standards and thus overreport or underreport the true problem.
This Is No Excuse
We have a right to know the danger that we face from medical malpractice in U.S hospitals nationally and at Norton Hospital, University Hospital, and other Louisville hospitals. In 1999, the Institute of Medicine issued its now famous report “To Err is Human.” In that report, the Institute found that up to 98,000 people die each year due to preventable medical errors. That statistic was based on data from 1984.
In 2013, a new study was published in the Journal of Public Safety. The new study looked at data from other studies published between 2008 and 2011 and found that the often cited statistic from “To Err is Human” has more than doubled. The new study estimates that between 210,000 and 400,000 people die from preventable medical errors in United States hospitals every year.
One Is One Too Many
Experts may disagree about how many people die from medical malpractice or preventable medical errors. However, if you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a doctor, nurse, or hospital then there are a few things that we can agree upon:
- You have suffered a great loss.
- Your loved one’s life was cut short unnecessarily.
- Your family will never be the same.
You may have the right to hold the doctor, nurse, or hospital accountable for taking the life of your loved one too soon. Please browse the free resources on this website and start an online chat with us today to learn more about your rights and possible recovery.
Related Links:
- 5 Forms of Potentially Fatal Medical Malpractice
- The Difference Between a Medical Mistake and Malpractice
- What to Do If You Suspect Medical Malpractice Killed Your Loved One