A recent report noted that the incidence of medical malpractice is on the rise. Howver, many people are unclear whether they have been vicitms of medical malpractice, and if so, what are the next steps they need to follow.
First - who is most likely to be affected by malpractice?
While medical malpractice can affect any one, male or female, an infant or the elderly, statistics show that the majority of malpractice - 60% - affects women with a median age of 38. The next largest group affected by malpractice, includes infants who suffer birth injuries. These make up about 20% of the cases.
Who is most often sued for medical malpractice?
Based on these figures, it comes as no surprise that OB/GYNs are the most frequent defendants, in about 19% of the cases. General surgeons are the second, with 17%.
What is the most common type of medical malpractice?
The most common type of malpractice for inpatient care is surgical error. For outpatients, the most frequent source of harm is diagnostic error.
If you have any questions about medical malpractice or believe that you may have been harmed as the result of medical negligence, please contact the experienced California medical malpractice lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP for an immediate consultation.