A new study presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists said that anesthesia-related malpractice claims have declined over the last decade.
The report indicates that from 2005 to 2013, the frequency of anesthesia-related medical malpractice claims declined by nearly 42 percent, or roughly 4.6 percent each year. The greatest decrease occurred with regard to inpatient claims – a drop of nearly 45 percent, while outpatient claims saw a smaller decrease – an estimated 23.5 percent.
According to Richard J. Kelly, the author of the study, the amount of money paid towards outpatient claims was significantly less than that for inpatient claims. An estimated 2,408 malpractice claim payments were made during the length of the study, more than 75 percent of which were inpatient claims.
Although anesthesia-related claims are common in medical malpractice cases, it’s important to remember that medical malpractice may take place at any time during medical procedures or care. When this occurs, it is imperative that you consult with a personal injury attorney.
What Constitutes Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice is best defined as the failure to properly treat a patient, in accordance with the established standard of care, resulting in serious injury, even death to the patient.
For example, medical malpractice may occur in cases where:
- A doctor misdiagnoses a severe ailment, like meningitis
- A nurse administers the wrong drug
- Lab technicians use unsanitary needles or instruments
- A radiologist reads an X-Ray or CAT scan incorrectly
- A pharmacist fills the incorrect prescription or dosage for a patient
- A surgeon causes injury to another organ during surgery.
It’s also important to remember that medical malpractice is not limited to doctors or nurses. Hospitals, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, clinics or medical centers can be implicated in medical malpractice cases.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Have you been injured due to medical malpractice? If you or someone you know is dealing with ongoing personal injuries due to a medical error, you may be eligible to receive damages or other compensation.
Medical malpractice is a complex area of the law that requires legal skill and experience. In Las Vegas, Nevada, the law offices of Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen have helped many clients recover compensation for their injuries. Our firm serves as the premier personal injury resource for victims, including those dealing with medical malpractice and negligence, in and around the city of Las Vegas. Our skilled attorneys can work with you to assess your case and legal options, all while devising a strategy to see any and all compensation returned to you.
Our firm is prepared to help you from the moment you pick up the phone to speak to us about your situation. We invite you to call us today at (702) 505-8115 to arrange for your complimentary initial case evaluation.
