Medical Malpractice and Other Professional
Negligence

Medical malpractice is now considered between the 5th and 8th leading cause of death in the United States.  Researchers report that roughly 5 to 10 percent of all patients admitted to hospitals this year will fall victim to medical negligence, whether in the form of a surgical mistake, wrong prescription, birth injury, or other type of error.

Between 44,000 and 98,000 Americans die each year as a result of preventable medical errors, resulting in an annual cost to society in excess of $17 billion.  In contrast, the amount doctors and other health care associations spent on medical malpractice insurance in 2000 was only $6.4 billion - at least three times less than the cost of doctor's errors. One out of every 20 doctors, or 5% of the total number of practicing physicians, are responsible for over 54% of medical malpractice claims.  Additionally, between 35% and 40% of deaths were the result of missed diagnoses.  Approximately 90,000 people die from infections caused by inadequate sanitation methods (such as infrequent hand washing).

The key to success in many medical malpractice cases is the ability to review, interpret, evaluate and explain detailed records. The medical records are often considered the most valuable evidence to all parties involved. The Harvey Law Firm will conduct a thorough review, and reconstruct significant events, in order to determine potential medical negligence. In addition to handling medical malpractice claims, the Harvey Law Firm has the experience it takes to handle claims involving dental malpractice, pharmaceutical malpractice, diagnosis mistakes, surgical mistakes or medication errors.

If you are assessing possible medical malpractice, a consultation with a medical malpractice attorney or personal injury lawyer can be of enormous value in judging the merits of your case.  If you believe that you or your loved one might be a victim of medical malpractice, contact the Harvey Law Firm for a free consultation.

Types of Medical Malpractice Cases and Claims

Any injury you have suffered at the hand of a physician, surgeon, nurse, hospital, medical laboratory or clinic, dentist, or other type of medical provider may have been caused by medical malpractice. Some of the most common types of medical malpractice cases and claims include:

• Misdiagnose or failure to diagnose
• Pediatric malpractice
• Radiation malpractice
• Breast cancer malpractice
• Plastic surgery malpractice
• Dental malpractice
• Cancer misdiagnosis
• Amputation of the wrong limb
• Prescription errors
• Emergency room negligence
• Anesthesia accidents
• Uterine rupture
• Birth complications
• C-section complications
• Misread X-rays/mammograms
• Faulty blood transfusions
• Hospital/ medical negligence
• Failure to provide appropriate treatment
• Treatment delays
• Surgical injuries

Among the types of damages an injured person may recover for are lost earning capacity, reasonable medical expenses, permanent impairment, compensation for lost property, and pain and suffering. These damages can include both present and future expected losses. 

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