Going to the doctor can be a fairly routine activity. While many do not enjoy going to the doctor, sometimes even dreading it, it is something one must do when they are injured or ill. Although these professionals are trained and experienced to diagnose and treat patients, this does not mean mistakes do not happen. While minor errors may not impact the care of a patient, some medical errors could significantly harm a patient.
Researchers have looed into the patient experience in Massachusetts. Specifically, how common it is for a patient to suffer because of medical errors made by a medical professional. Based on their findings, it was found that one if five residents in the state experienced a medical error at some point between 2013 and 2018.
There were four major findings in this study. The first was that the state experienced a total of 61,982 medical errors in one year. This translates to roughly $617 million in health insurance claims. Next, of those surveyed, 66% stated that they had less trust in the healthcare industry after experiencing a medical error.
Third, of those surveyed, 61% responded that they were not satisfied with the communications with their healthcare provider after an error occurred. Finally, for those that experienced a medical error in the last year, 64% stated that they still avoid the healthcare facility where it occurred.
It can be a shocking and confusing situation to suffer harm at the hands of a medical professional. Thus, it is vital to explore one’s rights and fully understand what can be done. A medical malpractice action could help hold a medical professional accountable for the errors made, but it can also assist with the recovery of compensation what can be used to address medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages and other related losses.
