Whenever you visit a medical facility, it is reasonable to assume that you will receive quality care. At the very least, you should not leave the practice in worse condition than when you arrived.

Unfortunately, medical malpractice is rampant in the United States. In fact, substandard care is responsible for more than 250,000 deaths per year, according to The Washington Post.

If you or someone in your family received negligent care in a hospital, clinic, or nursing home and suffered damages as a result, turn to a personal injury attorney to schedule a free case evaluation with a Lafayette medical malpractice lawyer.

Read on to learn three alarming statistics about medical malpractice in the United States:

1. Medical Errors Are a Leading Cause of Death

The precise figure varies from year to year, but medical errors remain a leading cause of death in this country. As previously mentioned, substandard health care is responsible for more than 250,000 deaths annually, ranking it third behind just heart disease and cancer.

2. The Average Payout Is Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars (But Total Damages May Be More)

In 2017, CBS News reported alarming statistics about medical malpractice, including that the average payout resulting from successful medical malpractice claims was on the rise. It was more than $350,000 between 2009 and 2014 and will likely be even higher between 2015 and 2019.

Although $350,000 is certainly a lot of money, many claimants incur significantly more in losses. More than half of all states have caps on recoverable damages, and some of them are as low as $250,000.

Fortunately for those in Indiana, the damage caps are in the process of increasing. Claimants used to be able to recover up to $1.25 million in total damages. For victims of malpractice that occurs between June 2017 and June 2019, though, the cap is $1.65 million, and in July 2019, it will rise to $1.8 million.

Under the old system, providers only had to cover the first $250,000 in damages, and the state covered the rest. Currently, doctors must cover the first $400,000 in damages, and in 2019, their obligation will increase to $500,000.

3. Most Physicians Have Been Named in a Lawsuit at Some Point

If you want to avoid falling victim to medical malpractice, it’s reasonable to look for physicians who have never been accused of providing substandard care; however, finding one can be fairly challenging. According to Medscape, more than half of all doctors have faced a malpractice suit.

The statistics about medical malpractice are even more alarming when you look at certain specialties. For example, 85 percent of surgeons have been sued, as have 85 percent of all OB/GYNs.

Discuss your case with a medical malpractice attorney in Lafayette.

If you or someone in your family received negligent care in a hospital, clinic, or nursing home and suffered damages as a result, turn to Ball Eggleston. We have recovered more than $200 million for victims of personal injury and wrongful death in Indiana. Call (765) 742-9046 to schedule a free case evaluation with a Lafayette medical malpractice lawyer.

If you were the victim of medical malpractice in Indiana, turn to a personal injury attorney at Ball Eggleston. Our clients appreciate the knowledge and tenacity we bring to their cases, as well as our commitment to keeping them fully informed of the proceedings every step of the way. Call (765) 742-9046 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with an injury lawyer in Lafayette.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.

Ball Eggleston—a Lafayette, Indiana law firm—is located at 201 Main Street, Suite 810 P.O. Box 1535 Lafayette, IN 47902. Contact Ball Eggleston by phone at (765) 742-9046, by fax at (765) 742-1966, or by email at info@ball-law.com. For additional information, find Ball Eggleston online at www.ball-law.com.

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Disclaimer: The content of this blog is intended to be general and informational in nature. It is advertising material and is not intended to be, nor is it, legal advice to or for any particular person, case, or circumstance. Each situation is different, and you should consult an attorney if you have any questions about your situation.