Devastation: The Effects of Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice can negatively affect all aspects of an injured patient’s life, from physical ability and emotional well-being to financial security. Many malpractice victims suffer permanent disability, loss of quality of life, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of income.

Devastation: The Effects of Medical Malpractice

We entrust medical professionals with our health and well-being, placing our faith in their expertise and judgment. However, sometimes this trust is shattered by medical malpractice, a devastating breach of duty that can have life-altering consequences. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury or harm to the patient.

A Tangible Cost of Trust Betrayed

According to a 2023 report by the National Center for Health Statistics, over 1 in 10 adults in the United States experience some form of medical error during their healthcare encounters. While not all errors rise to the level of malpractice, these numbers illustrate the prevalence of mistakes within the system. When these mistakes cross the line into negligence, the consequences can be devastating.

The Body Broken and the Spirit Bruised

The most immediate effect of medical malpractice is often physical injury or illness. Surgical errors, misdiagnosis, and medication mistakes can all lead to a cascade of problems that include psychological injury. A patient might suffer permanent disability after a botched surgery, a delayed diagnosis could lead to the progression of a treatable disease, or an allergic reaction to an incorrectly prescribed medication could cause serious health complications. These physical consequences can be accompanied by a significant decline in quality of life, making it difficult for patients to work, maintain relationships, and participate in activities they once enjoyed.

Beyond the physical toll, medical malpractice can inflict a deep emotional wound. The sense of betrayal can be profound, as patients grapple with the realization that the very person entrusted with their care has caused them harm. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The emotional trauma can be particularly acute for victims of birth injuries or medical mistakes that result in chronic pain or disability.

Financial Strain: A Mounting Burden

The financial repercussions of medical malpractice can be crippling. Patients may face mounting medical bills for corrective surgeries, treatment of new injuries, and ongoing care for chronic conditions. Lost wages due to prolonged recovery or disability further exacerbate the financial strain. Families may even be forced to make difficult decisions, such as sacrificing necessary expenses or dipping into retirement savings, to cope with the financial fallout of medical malpractice.

Losing Faith in the Healers: A Broken System

Perhaps the most insidious consequence of medical malpractice is the erosion of trust in the healthcare system. When patients are harmed by the very professionals they rely on, it creates a profound sense of disillusionment. This fear and mistrust can lead to patients delaying or even avoiding necessary medical care altogether, potentially putting their health at further risk. This breakdown in the doctor-patient relationship weakens the entire healthcare system, hindering communication, and making it more difficult for healthcare providers to effectively deliver care.

The Ripple Effect: Beyond Individual Patients

The negative effects of medical malpractice extend far beyond the individual patient. Families bear the brunt of the emotional and financial burden, often sacrificing their own well-being to support their loved ones. Children may witness their parents struggling with pain, disability, or emotional distress, which can have lasting psychological consequences. Furthermore, the fear of malpractice lawsuits can contribute to a defensive medical practice culture, where doctors prioritize avoiding legal action over open communication and patient-centered care. This can lead to increased costs within the healthcare system, as defensive medicine practices such as unnecessary tests become more common.

How dangerous is medical malpractice?

In 2016, John’s Hopkins issued a report showing the number of deaths from medical errors in hospitals across the U.S., is 400,000. That means preventable adverse effects of medical care kill more Americans than unintentional injuries, chronic lower respiratory diseases, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes. Experts estimate that 65 million people are victims of medical errors.

Total national costs (e.g., lost income, lost household production, disability, health care costs) are estimated to be between $37.6 billion and $50 billion for adverse medical events and between $17 billion and $29 billion for preventable adverse events.

Extrapolation of the data suggests that medical errors kill more than 3,000 people in Arizona hospitals. By analogy, that means medical errors impact over 300,000 Arizonans every year. So, while the shift in medical negligence payments was encouraging, the more worrisome statistic is that there were only 158 payouts for all of these preventable injuries and deaths in 2023.

According to the National Practitioner Data Bank, the annual number of payouts on medical negligence cases across the U.S. averages around 10,000. That is almost a 50% drop since 2001, which likely reflects various tort reform efforts across the country and not improving health care delivery.

Arizona statistics follow the national trend—going from 351 payments in 2001 down to 158 in 2023. The decline in paying cases clearly is associated with tort reform efforts that began in early 2000 and continued up through recent legislative changes in 2018.  Medical malpractice payout amounts have remained steady over the last few years.

Seeking Justice: A Path to Healing

While the effects of medical malpractice can be devastating, there are options available for patients who have been harmed. Legal recourse through medical malpractice lawsuits can provide financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It’s important to note that the legal process can be complex and lengthy, and it’s crucial to consult with experienced legal counsel specializing in medical malpractice.

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 23 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
JD’s Profile