There are a lot of misconceptions about medical malpractice and the legal claims that are filed in hopes of securing accountability for medical errors. The sad reality is that these misunderstanding oftentimes deter injured individuals from seeking the compensation that they need and deserve. That’s why it’s wise to be cognizant of these medical malpractice myths. After all, by educating yourself you can better position yourself for the legal challenges that may be awaiting you.
Common myths
So, what are some of the most common myths about medical malpractice? Here are some of them:
- Medical mistakes are uncommon: This simply isn’t true. In fact, statistics have shown that upwards of 250,000 deaths each year are associated with a medical error, which accounts for nearly 10% of all deaths. Other studies have shown that one in five individuals have been subjected to some sort of medical error. So, if you’ve been harmed after receiving treatment, don’t think that it’s just part of your recovery. And don’t give your doctor a pass for making a mistake. These errant medical professionals need to be held accountable.
- Medical malpractice claims are about getting rich: A lot of people are hesitant to pursue a medical malpractice claim because they worry that they’ll be perceived as someone who is just looking to get rich. This isn’t the case, though. The damages awarded in a medical malpractice case are aimed at making you whole again. This means awarding you compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, lost earnings capacity, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. So, don’t worry about what others may think of your claim. You have to worry about protecting yourself, your interests, and your future.
- Medical malpractice claims are ruining healthcare: Other people who have been wronged by a medical professional are hesitant to take legal action because they’re afraid that they’re just driving up healthcare costs for others or that it’s making it impossible for doctors to practice medicine. This isn’t true. First, you need to worry about you and recovering your damages. Second, medical professionals have malpractice insurance, which means that their insurance company is the one who is most likely going to pay your claim. While a doctor’s insurance rates may increase, it’s not so much that it’s going to deter all medical professionals from seeking to work in the field.
- A medical malpractice attorney is expensive: A lot of medical malpractice victims think that they can’t afford an attorney. But the truth of the matter is that many of these attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they don’t get paid until you win your case. And only then do they receive a portion of your award. This is a low-risk way of ensuring that you have strong representation in your corner.
Don’t be afraid to take the action necessary to protect your future
We know that the thought of pursuing a medical malpractice case can be stressful and overwhelming. But there’s a lot at stake and foregoing legal action can serve a real detriment to you, your family, and your future.
That’s why you may want to discuss the circumstances of your case with an attorney who has a proven track record of success in handling these kinds of cases. That way you can rest assured that you have a strong advocate on your side who can do a lot of the heavy lifting and ensure that you’re positioned as strongly as possible to obtain the favorable result that you deserve.