Ninety-five thousand Americans are killed annually by medical malpractice in hospitals, according to a Harvard University study. That's roughly the equivalent of a jumbo jet full of passengers crashing every 24 hours for an entire year. Another 400,000 Americans are victims of medical negligence and misdiagnosis every year. A U.S. government report estimates that about 10 percent of physicians need discipline ranging from supervision to loss of license. Yet only six-tenths of one percent are actually being disciplined.
Much medical malpractice occurs totally outside the control of the patient.
In most cases, patients are stunned to discover they are victims of medical negligence. However, not all malpractice comes as a complete surprise. Select a caring, competent doctor. If you are fortunate enough to have the freedom to choose your own doctor, exercise this privilege wisely. Finding the right one takes research but your health is worth it.