In the state of New York medical malpractice has become a major issue. Only .5% of the nation’s doctors have faced a claim in the past year related to medical malpractice, but there have been estimates that 98,000 patients per year may be killed in hospitals because of the negligence of doctors. It is a tough claim to prove, which is why it’s important to have a top lawyer in the field to represent you against the medical industry. A study at Harvard found that 1% of patients treated in New York state hospitals in 1984 were injured because of medical malpractice and one quarter of those died because of such negligence. If those New York figures were averaged out nationally, we would have seen 80,000 deaths from medical malpractice across the country.

Using the same study and the New York numbers we would have seen 234,000 injuries across the country. Most of this malpractice has been the result of physicians and nothing in the Harvard study has indicated that things have improved. A lot of people obviously put their trust in their doctor, but if something goes wrong they may need the counsel of a good lawyer to see if there was medical malpractice at play. These aren’t the only studies that have been conducted on medical malpractice. In fact, the numbers are quite frightening. When your average person checks into the hospital they are fearful because of their condition and are convinced that the doctor and staff will not act negligently. That has not been the case in New York or anywhere else.

A 1974 California study found .8% of hospital patients had been injured by negligence in the hospital or wound up in the hospital because of negligence. Those figures would translate to 249,000 injuries and deaths in 1988, a similar figure. With the state of healthcare quite poor in this country at this time; it’s disheartening to think that New York’s medical practitioners may be practicing malpractice unbeknownst to patients. There have been many other studies that have proven similar numbers. A 1976 study showed that .5% of all patients entering the hospital are injured there due to negligence. That figure translates to 156,000 deaths or injuries in 1988. No matter what figures you choose to believe, the numbers are too high.

If you feel that you received treatment that was negligent you need to see a lawyer who understands medical malpractice and can diagnose your case. And if, God forbid, a loved one died possibly at the hands of medical malpractice NY it is worth investigating because negligent doctors need to be held accountable for their actions. So if, while in the hospital or doctor’s office, you or a loved one have any questions about the care you receive it’s important to get a second opinion. Not just the second opinion of another doctor, but of an attorney who is familiar with New York’s medical malpractice laws and can help determine if you have a case.

Paul Justice gives advice to clients who are looking for attorneys to handle injury related cases such as medical malpractice, automobile accidents. To know more about medical malpractice NY, malpractice attorney and New York attorneys visit www.nbrlawfirm.com