When you seek medical treatment, you have the reasonable expectation that doctors, nurses, and hospitals will provide high quality professional care. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Medical malpractice is a serious problem. It occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted standard of care and causes harm to a patient.
A new study finds that New York has had the highest number of medical malpractice claims in the country since 2011. According to News10 ABC Albany, there were 15,951 medical malpractice reports filed in the state between 2011 and 2022. Within this article, our Albany medical malpractice attorney highlights the key things to know about the study.
More Medical Malpractice Reports Filed in New York than Other Large States
The study cited by News10 ABC Albany comes from NiceRx Health, a discount prescription drug company. Through a comprehensive review of relevant data, the researchers determined that there were 15,951 medical malpractice reports filed in New York State over an 11-year period. During that same time, there were approximately 12,300 medical malpractice reports filed in California—a state with double our population. Other large states, including Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania, had significantly fewer official medical malpractice reports than New York.
Medical Malpractice Takes a Wide Range of Different Forms
Broadly defined, medical malpractice occurs with a health professional (doctor, dentist, nurse, etc) or health provider (hospital, clinic, etc) deviates from the standard of care and causes harm to a patient. There are many different specific types of medical malpractice. Examples include:
- Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: Timely and accurate diagnosis is a must. When a healthcare professional fails to properly diagnose a patient’s condition or delays in making a diagnosis, this may lead to an incorrect or delayed treatment plan.
- Surgical Errors: This can include performing the wrong procedure, performing a procedure on the wrong body part, or leaving surgical instruments inside a patient’s body.
- Anesthesia Errors: Anesthesia is powerful. Administering too much or too little anesthesia, or administering the wrong type of anesthesia can cause severe problems for a patient.
- Medication Mistakes: Prescribing the wrong medication, prescribing the wrong dosage, or administering medication in a negligent manner can harm a patient.
- Failure to Obtain Informed Consent: A healthcare professional may fail to inform a patient of the risks and benefits of a procedure and obtain their consent before proceeding.
- Birth Injuries: This can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum and can include injuries to the mother or baby such as brain damage, cerebral palsy, or Erb’s palsy.
What to Do If You or Your Loved One Was a Victim of a Medical Malpractice in Albany, NY
Medical malpractice cases are complicated. Unfortunately, too many patients who are harmed by negligent medical professionals or medical providers are denied justice. It is imperative that you know the right steps to take. Here are four things to do if you suspect medical malpractice:
- Seek Immediate Medical Care: Your health and well-being should be your top priority. If you are experiencing symptoms as a result of the medical malpractice, seek medical attention immediately. This will not only help you feel better, but it will also provide documentation of your condition, which can be used as evidence in your case.
- Document Everything that has Occurred: Keep a detailed record of all events related to the medical malpractice, including dates, times, and the names of any medical professionals involved. This documentation will be critical in building a strong case in a malpractice claim.
- Avoid Giving a Statement to an Insurer: Insurance companies are not on your side and may try to use any statement you make to deny or minimize your claim. You are not required to give a statement to an insurance company immediately after suffering harm as a patient.
- Consult With an Albany Medical Malpractice Lawyer: An experienced Albany medical malpractice lawyer will be able to review your case, advise you of your rights and options, and help you navigate the legal process.
Contact Our Albany Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
At Powers & Santola, LLP, our Albany medical malpractice lawyers are diligent, justice-focused advocates for patients and their families. Were you or your loved one the victim of medical malpractice? We are more than ready to protect your rights. Contact us today to schedule your free, fully confidential initial consultation. From our Albany office, our attorneys handle medical malpractice claims in Albany County and throughout the wider region in Upstate New York.
