A new study researching medical malpractice lawsuits over a 14-year span of 41,000 doctors show that most doctors will face medical malpractice suits at some point in their career. An astounding 99% of physicians in high-risk fields, like surgeons, will be sued by patients. 75% of doctors in low-risk fields, such as pediatricians and psychiatrists, could face lawsuits. The study, which has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine, was conducted by medical professionals at USC, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the RAND Corporation.
Although the numbers are high, most doctors will not make a malpractice payment. Of the 7.4% of doctors that are sued a year, only about 1.6% were forced to pay in a settlement.
Some doctors are now extensively practicing defensive medicine to avoid irreversible damage to their reputation. Experts believe that when physicians order extra tests or perform extra procedures, which may not necessarily be needed, the cost of health care increases.
If you have been the unfortunate victim of medical malpractice, contact Cedar Rapids medical malpractice lawyer Pete Leehey today at 319-294-4424.