Medical malpractice is not limited to just surgical procedures; it’s actually quite common in other fields of medicine. Although we all hope we are in the best care under some of the most highly praised surgeons, doctors, and physicians, sometimes that is not the case. The Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, LLP team is here to share with you some of the most common fields where negligence takes place.
But, before we can dive into which fields have the highest rates of malpractice, it’s best we understand how medical malpractice is defined.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is a legal term used to describe the negligent or wrongful act of a medical professional that leads to patient injury. In order to win a medical malpractice case, the plaintiff must prove that the medical professional breached their duty of care and that this breach resulted in injuries.
There are many different fields of medicine, each with its own unique set of risks and potential for medical malpractice. Some fields, such as surgery, have a higher risk of medical errors due to the complex nature of the procedures. Others, such as psychiatry, have a higher risk due to the potential for misdiagnosis or other errors in treatment. The top three fields of medicine that have the highest rates of medical malpractice are:
- General Medicine - Misdiagnosis is one of the most common forms of medical malpractice, with about 12 million people falling victim to medical diagnostic errors every year. This can happen in any field but is most common in general medicine.
- General Surgery - Surgical errors fall second to misdiagnosis as there are over 4,000 surgical errors in the U.S. each year. Mistakes are usually made when surgeons fail to operate on the correct body part or fail to provide adequate care for the patient post-op.
- Obstetrics - Medical negligence can happen to mothers and their babies at any point, from prenatal care to birth. Around seven birth injuries occur per every 1,000 children born in the U.S.
New York Medical Malpractice Attorneys
If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, contact the Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, LLP firm today to schedule a free consultation. We will review your case and help you understand your legal options. If we believe you have a valid claim, we will fight tirelessly on your behalf to get the compensation you deserve.
Contact our firm at (800) 572-7246 or visit our Contact Us page to get started on a consultation request form.