Medical Malpractice Statistics
Across the nation, medical malpractice is a widespread problem. Medical malpractice is loosely defined as when healthcare professionals — such as doctors, hospitals, employees, nurses, management, and more — cause harm to a patient due to negligence. Examples of medical malpractice negligence include errors in case management, diagnosis, treatment, or other oversights that cause injury.
Victims of medical malpractice and their families may be eligible for substantial compensation. Find out more about medical malpractice in Florida or Georgia, including information about average settlement payments, adverse actions, and frequency rates.
If you decide to pursue a medical malpractice settlement, hiring an experienced lawyer can help you navigate the complicated paperwork and legal steps involved with filing a claim. Contact the medical malpractice attorneys at Farah & Farah for your free, no-obligation case review today.
How Common is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice happens much more frequently than many people realize. Thousands of patents a year are injured by negligent medical professionals. And tragically, over 250,000 deaths a year are the result of medical malpractice.
If a negligent medical professional has injured you or a loved one, you owe it to seek compensation for your pain. You shouldn’t have to foot the bill for their negligence. No two cases are the same, but hiring a medical malpractice attorney can help you earn the justice you deserve.
Florida Medical Malpractice Stats
Florida has one of the highest frequency of medical malpractice in the nation. Because there is such a high population of patients and doctors in Florida, there is more opportunity for mistakes.
Payments Made to Patients in Florida Medical Malpractice Claims
In 2018, the combined award total for medical malpractice claims was $299.46 million. This figure accounts for 948 medical malpractice claims, with 302 payments in the range of $250,000 to $499,000. Other than wrongful death, the top cause of injury settlement claims include injuries that require lifelong care.
Adverse Actions Reported for Florida Physicians Due to Medical Malpractice Claims
Adverse actions include any official negative action — such as censure, sanctions, reprimands — taken against a doctor due to incompetent or negligent acts. In 2018 alone, 41 physicians in Florida lost clinical privilege as a result of their negligence. Twenty-eight of these cases involved the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Medical Malpractice Claims are Decreasing Over Time
It is an uphill battle to get a fair settlement. The win-rate for plaintiffs is 23%, far lower than other personal injury cases, which run about 59%. Medical malpractice trials are more likely to have a jury trial, averaging a mean length of 5 days in court — however, awards for medical malpractice average 17 times higher than other types of tort jury trials.
Georgia Medical Malpractice Stats
Georgia has a lower frequency of malpractice cases than Florida. But its settlement rates are among the highest in the nation, with an average of $370,000.
Payments Made to Patients in Georgia Medical Malpractice Claims
Per every 100,000 residents in Georgia, 11.3 of them are fighting for a medical malpractice claim. The total combined payout amount of medical malpractice claims is $111.5 million.
Adverse Actions Reported for Georgia Physicians Due to Medical Malpractice Claims
Of 1,242 medical license reports, 1,110 account for some adverse action against a physician, including medical malpractice lawsuits. These lawsuits accounted for 89% of actions against a physician’s license.
Medical Malpractice Settlements includes More Than Doctors
Between 1990 to 2003, there were 135 medical malpractice reports lodged against nurses in Georgia. This figure accounts for 3 percent of the reported claims.
Let the Medical Malpractice Attorneys at Farah & Farah Help Resolve Your Case Today
Knowing what to do after suffering from medical malpractice can feel daunting. We trust medical professionals to care for us. And they should be held responsible when their actions put us in harm’s way. If you or a loved one have suffered as a result of a medical professional’s errors, then you have a right to seek compensation.
An attorney who understands the complex laws and regulations of medical malpractice statistics can help you go toe-to-toe against the medical establishment. Trust Farah & Farah with your medical malpractice case. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
