Medical Malpractice

Wrongful Death by Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice, a common cause of wrongful death, is a major problem in our country's hospitals; more than 225,000 people die from injuries related to medical malpractice on an annual basis.

When someone dies as a result of another person or company's negligence, it is considered a wrongful death. Important aspects of a wrongful death case that need to be taken into account include:

• What the cause of death was.
• Who is strictly responsible for the fatality.
• Who can claim the wrongful death.

Relatives, brothers and sisters, or other members of the decedent's estate who have experienced a large financial setback as a result of the wrongful death are typically the ones seeking a wrongful death claim.

There are a variety of situations in which someone can die a wrongful death. Some of them include:

• Surgical malpractice
• Medication errors
• Bacterial infection
• Birth injury
• Dental malpractice
• Diagnosis error
• Negligence
• Automobile accidents
• Personal injury accidents
• Occupational accidents
• Harmful or defective products
• Negligence

You may have an opportunity to file a wrongful death lawsuit if:

• You have a considerable loss of income and benefits after the person's passing.
• You lose your inheritance due to the death of the individual.

Some common side effects that may affect someone who has experienced the wrongful death of someone dear to them include:

• Monetary loss
• Grief
• Loss of companionship

Quick Facts

Thousands die every year because wrongful death due to medical malpractice is either unfiled or is simply ignored.

• A Harvard Medical Practice Study claims that just one out of eight malpractice victims takes legal action in pursuit of compensation.
• Research compiled by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences surmises that upwards of 98,000 patients may suffer fatal injuries in hospitals from medical mistakes annually.
• Each year, 90,000 of the two million hospital patients that obtain an infection end up dying.
• About eight percent of physicians who have lost at least two cases of medical malpractice have been disciplined by their respective state's medical board.
• About 17 percent of physicians who have lost at least five cases of medical malpractice have been disciplined by their respective state's medical board.

Medical malpractice cases can be rather complicated, pricey to pursue, and have greater odds of recovering nothing. If you believe you know of someone who has died a wrongful death as a result of medical malpractice, consult with a lawyer who excels in the field of wrongful death as it relates to medical malpractice.