CHICAGO (Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.) – A new study suggests medical errors may be the third leading cause of death in the United States. And even more shocking, most medical errors go unobserved.
Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional fails to adhere to an applicable standard of medical care, and an injury or death occurs as a result. Medical negligence can be committed by a hospital, doctor, nurse, dentist or any other medical professional.
Doctors at Johns Hopkins estimate there are at least 251,454 deaths due to medical errors annually in the United States, but believe the number is actually much higher, as home and nursing home deaths are not counted in that total.
Those high numbers make medical mistakes the third leading cause of death in the United States, right behind heart disease and cancer.
READ MORE | Medical errors may be third leading cause of death in U.S.
The study further suggests the problem is not unique to the United States. Earlier studies have shown under-counted medical errors are a problem in hospitals throughout the world, CNN reports.
In an open letter, the researchers urge the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to immediately add medical errors to its annual list reporting the top causes of death. Click here to read the letter in its entirety.
If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered harm due to medical negligence, you should contact an experienced Chicago medical malpractice attorney without delay. The medical malpractice attorneys of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., have decades of experience with assisting medical negligence victims and their families in Chicago, Waukegan and throughout Illinois.
We understand the pain, confusion and financial burdens that are caused by medical malpractice. Our goal is to provide you with compassionate and professional legal service. We want to help you to move past this difficult time with the financial compensation and sense of security that you deserve.
One of our lawyers can serve as a liaison between you and the hospital or the insurance companies who contact you. The attorney can also begin immediate work on the investigation of your case. When you meet with a lawyer, you should expect the lawyer to ask questions such as:
- What medical condition led you or your loved one to seek treatment?
- When did you receive treatment for the condition?
- Where did you receive treatment?
- Who provided the treatment to you?
- What specific treatment did the medical professional provide?
- How has the treatment hurt you physically, emotionally and financially?
These questions will help if you can compile medical records, invoices and insurance statements. However, if you cannot track down those documents, it should not stop you from getting legal help.
Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., focuses on seeking justice for medical malpractice victims and their families in Chicago and throughout Illinois. Contact us by phone at 877-568-9745 or on www.salvilaw.com. We can provide an immediate, free and confidential consultation and start work on your case today.
