Syracuse Medical Malpractice Lawyer Blog
“Because of confidentiality agreements that insurance companies insist upon following a New York medical malpractice settlement, the public does not know about the number and severity of medical errors. They are common and can be deadly,” said Syracuse hospital negligence lawyer Michael A. Bottar, Esq., of Bottar Law, PLLC.
The statistics are alarming. According to a study recently released by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), 1 in 7 Medicare patients were harmed by the medical care they received while hospitalized. “14% ?!” Bottar remarked. “We often file claims on behalf of families who suffer a loss due to New York hospital negligence, but we had no idea mistakes were this prevalent.”
The OIG study reported that as many as 180,000 patients are harmed annually, with a price tag of $4,400,000,000.00. The study was based on doctors sampling and reviewing medical records of just under 1,000 Medicare patients in 2008. For advice about how to stay safe during a hospital stay, patients should review the Consumer Reports on Health’s Staying Safe in the Hospital.
The most common hospital errors include prescription medication dosing errors (receiving too much or too little medication), improperly combining medications, infections, bed sores, equipment malfunction, falls and poor wound care. Wrong site and wrong side surgical errors also occur. Statistics suggest that nearly 50% of hospital mistakes were/are preventable.
The trial lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have decades of experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict all types of New York hospital negligence cases arising out of preventable medical mistakes. If you or a loved one were harmed during a hospital stay, you and/or your family may be entitled to compensation for lifelong health care, medical expenses, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
To discuss your case or concerns with an experienced Central New York medical malpractice attorney, contact Bottar Law, PLLC at (315) 422-3466, (800) 336-LAWS, or by e-mail at info@bottarleone.com.