No Fee Unless You Win
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers in Arizona
Speak to one of our personal injury attorneys and learn more about the legal options for your accident claim.
Who is at fault if a driverless car crashes? Federal agencies, like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), establish safety standards that must be met before fully autonomous v...
Posted by Joseph D'Aguanno
In recent years, the insurance defense industry has fixated on so-called "nuclear verdicts," jury awards in medical malpractice cases that exceed $10 million. These verdicts have been portrayed...
read morePosted by Joseph D'Aguanno
After an accident, your top priority should be getting the care you need and securing the compensation you deserve. However, the settlement process can be frustratingly slow, with insurance compa...
read moreIf you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at (602) 258-0646
2525 E Arizona Biltmore Cir #A114, Phoenix, AZ 85016
get directions