According to a National Academy Institute of Medicine study, each year more people die from medical errors than from motor vehicle accidents (43,458), breast cancer (42,297) and AIDS (16,516).

A Harvard Medical School study found that over 5% of all hospital patients were injured as a result of medical malpractice.

How Large Is The Problem of Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice is a much greater problem than most people realize. Each year, in the United States, approximately 80,000 people are dying due to medical malpractice. This figure is based on the extensive study "Patients, Doctors and Lawyers: Medical Injury, Malpractice, Litigation, and Patient Compensation in New York," published by the Harvard Medical Practice Study in 1990. This Harvard study was a report to the State of New York and has been confirmed by similar studies. While these medical malpractice statistics are alarming, it is even more disturbing that these statistics do not even include medical malpractice deaths that have occurred in clinics, private doctors offices, or other treatment facilities.

With all the cases of medical malpractice that occur, there are only a few claims filed. Another report performed by Harvard, the "Harvard Medical Practice Study", found that only one in eight patients that suffers due to medical malpractice ever files a lawsuit. The report concluded that medical malpractice is not accessible enough for the Victims of medical malpractice, including things like birth injury. A New England Journal of Medicine article found that only 2% of people that are injured by medical malpractice seeks compensation through a lawsuit. We have been successful at representing and obtaining compensation for the victims of medical malpractice that is rightfully theirs.

Medical Malpractice occurs when there is a deviation from the accepted standard of care in the community or locality where the doctor or hospital is located. It is considered medical malpractice, not because of unforeseen complications, but rather if the complications were the result of improper care and treatment. By failing to properly diagnose an illness or condition, such as cancer, in a timely manner can be considered medical negligence. We provide the highest level of legal expertise for New York medical malpractice cases including birth injuries such as cerebral palsy. Please feel free to contact us so that you can speak to a qualified New York medical malpractice attorney.