Medical mistakes kill as many as 98,000 hospitalized Americans a year. The problem is caused less by recklessness on the part of doctors or nurses than by basic flaws in the health system. Doctor's poor handwriting too often leaves pharmacists puzzled. Too many drug names sound alike. Medical knowledge grows so rapidly it is difficult to keep up with new treatments or dangers.
Medical devices change from year to year.
And most health professionals do not have their competence tested regularly. Contrary to the expectation and attitudes of Americans, medicine is an inexact science. Physicians, hospital personnel, and medical technicians all make mistakes. Malpractice suits are not just the result of greedy and contentious patients . A patient's consent to the doctor's treatment may prevent the doctor from being liable for an intentional tort.