Debunking Some Common Myths About Medical Malpractice
The safety of patients and the quality of health services are top priorities for most medical professionals and health facilities. However, the reality is that medical mistakes happen all the time. And while some mistakes cannot be prevented, many medical mistakes are preventable. Unfortunately, medical negligence is quite common in the United States.
If you were injured due to the negligence of a healthcare professional or health facility, you might be entitled to file a medical malpractice claim and obtain compensation. Before deciding whether to pursue a medical malpractice claim, you need to understand the truth about this type of claim. Below we have compiled some of the most common myths about medical malpractice.
Myth #1: Most Medical Malpractice Cases Are Frivolous
This is one of the myths that dissuades some people from pursuing otherwise meritorious claims. In relation to general personal injury claims, medical malpractice claims are actually the least likely to be frivolous, especially in the State of Georgia. There are two primary reasons for this. First, no medical malpractice lawsuit can be filed without an affidavit from an an expert (typically another physician) swearing under oath that the defendant committed professional negligence. Second, because of the high costs that law firms and attorneys must invest out-of-pocket to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit, they typically only file the most meritorious of cases. Indeed, because of these required costs, it is actually more likely that viable cases are not pursued (because the recoverable damages do not justify the costs). Research suggests that only 3% of all medical malpractice lawsuits lack real merit. In other words, contrary to what many people believe, most medical malpractice cases are not filed by people who want to cash in on a quick payout.
Myth #2: Medical Malpractice Claims Drive Up Healthcare Costs
This is another myth that can lead to you failing to file a medical malpractice claim even if you have the legal right to file such a claim. Indeed, healthcare costs have risen, and they continue to rise yearly. However, it is not true that the rise in healthcare costs is due to medical malpractice claims. In fact, despite state legislatures passing laws making it increasingly difficult to file medical malpractice lawsuits, the costs of healthcare have continued to rise dramatically. It can be easy to blame the rising cost of healthcare on medical malpractice claims, but this is simply false.
Myth #4: Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim Will Make Doctors Refuse to Treat You in the Future
Unfortunately, many people believe this myth, including medical malpractice victims. The truth is that most medical professionals will not know you filed a medical malpractice claim unless you choose to share this information with them. In addition, competent medical providers understand that medical errors happen, and this is why they carry liability insurance to address such occurrences.
Contact an Atlanta Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you have suffered an injury due to the negligence of a medical professional or health facility, contact our Atlanta medical malpractice attorney at Carroll Law Firm for legal guidance.
Source:
law.cornell.edu/wex/frivolous
